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Luis Enrique reveals the tactical instruction he will give Kylian Mbappe for PSG's Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday.
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Leeds United experienced a turbulent transfer window this summer in the immediate aftermath of their relegation down to the Championship, a whole host of underperforming first-teamers departing before the prospect of second-tier football could even properly sink in.
The likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Rodrigo and Marc Roca all left the club to pursue loan moves elsewhere, whilst American midfield gem Tyler Adams also left Elland Road behind to join Premier League side AFC Bournemouth on a permanent deal.
Yet, not all hope was lost completely in this transfer window with Daniel Farke going on to recruit the spine of a squad that's now third in the league and gearing up for an intense battle with Ipswich Town and Leicester City for those coveted automatic promotion spots.
Additions such as Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon have been excellent buys whilst duds in the Premier League such as Georginio Rutter have burst into life since the club were relegated – the latter man registering seven assists this season.
Farke could add some new players in January to his promotion-chasing squad regardless of the feel-good factor present at Elland Road at this moment in time, Leeds potentially going back in for Fortuna Düsseldorf star Ao Tanaka who is vying for a move away from the German club.
Leeds United were previously interested in the Japanese midfielder last transfer window and even made a bid for the player, according to reports in Germany, albeit with Farke's men opting to sign Glen Kamara instead to fill gaps over Tanaka.
The Whites could be encouraged to go back in for the 24-time Japan international with recent developments suggesting that the skilful 5 foot 11 Düsseldorf man is actively looking for a move away.
German football website Express commented on the 'tricky situation' Tanaka's club have on their hands to keep the 25-year-old past January, stating that Dusseldorf will not put 'any obstacles' in the way of their number four moving on.
The Whites could therefore consider going back in for their failed summer buy, adding competition for places in West Yorkshire to ensure first-team regulars such as Kamara don't become complacent centrally.
Whilst Leeds' Finnish midfielder is far more reserved in his game going forward – content with just spraying the ball about with ease in a holding role – Tanaka excels when he ventures further up the pitch to help his team add goals.
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Over the last year for his 2. Bundesliga employers – according to FBref – Tanaka has averaged 1.28 shots per 90 minutes when he forays forward. Kamara, on the contrary, comes in at a far lesser 0.21.
With the amount of shots Tanaka takes per match, it's no surprise to see the Japanese midfielder has four goals next to his name for his free-flowing 2. Bundesliga team this campaign.
|
Ao Tanaka's statistics in 2023/24 |
Sourced by Transfermarkt |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
17 |
|
Goals |
4 |
|
Assists |
1 |
Yet, Kamara comes out on top in the passing statistics between the two – Leeds' number eight is a key figure under Farke playing in a deep position, a calm orchestrator of attacking moves alongside partner Ethan Ampadu. Over the last year, Kamara has on average completed 92.4% of his passes per game compared to Tanaka's 85.5%.
The Japanese World Cup star could offer Leeds something more fresh and unique if he was to be signed, even potentially starting in a more advanced number ten role if required.
Tanaka's ability to be tough in a tackle for Dusseldorf and his national team but also potent in attack has even seen him be compared to Real Madrid golden boy Jude Bellingham, a comparison that will have certainly piqued Leeds' interest due to the 20-year-old's heroics of late – netting 15 goals in just 17 games for Los Blancos.
That likeness between Tanaka and the Englishman was noted by the Bundesliga official website, who stated:
'Tanaka is somewhere in between, going box to box and emerging as an on-field leader like Borussia Dortmund’s England international Jude Bellingham. Tanaka looks to clean up from deep – averaging almost nine tackles won per Bundesliga 2 game in 2022/23 – and get forward whenever possible.'
Kamara will then be sweating about the potential of Kamada joining the Whites, Farke could fancy signing the bargain £2.6m man in January and play him over the former Rangers man to catch opponents off-guard in their continued hunt for promotion.
West Ham United, as the January transfer window approaches, could be one of a number of sides that look to make season-altering additions in the Premier League.
The Hammers have enjoyed a solid first half to the campaign, albeit one that has featured a couple of results to forget and sit as high as ninth. Having recently been smashed 5-0 by Fulham, West Ham were given a reminder about the changes they may need to make in the winter window, with a number of stars potentially heading for the exit door. And that could even include a player that David Moyes is a fan of.
Those at the London Stadium got things fairly spot on in the summer transfer window, despite selling Declan Rice to Arsenal. The likes of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus have all found their feet relatively quickly to hand the Hammers a major boost. Now, however, West Ham's attention looks set to shift towards departures, which could include the sale of one specific forward who has struggled at times in the current campaign.
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According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, West Ham could now be ready to sell Danny Ings in the January transfer window, with clubs at the bottom of the Premier League and top of the Championship keeping an eye on the former Liverpool man's situation. The striker's departure could come despite the fact that a source told Football Insider that Moyes is a "big fan" of Ings. When the January window swings open, the 31-year-old certainly looks like one to keep an eye on, as the club aim to make room and raise funds for further incomings.
Whilst Moyes is reportedly a fan of Ings, January appears to be the right time for all parties to go their separate ways. Ings' goals just have not arrived at the London Stadium, with the former Southampton star finding the back of the net just three times in 37 appearances for the Hammers, whilst only recording a further two assists. Given that he's only made one Premier League start in the current campaign too, the forward could do with a January exit.
If his next club can get him back to his best, then Ings could make a significant impact. Matty Cash was certainly impressed with his former teammate at Aston Villa, saying:
“I was delighted for Danny. He is one of the smartest players I have played with. His record speaks for itself. He’s scored goals at the highest level. Any striker needs goals and he got them at Brighton. His movement in front of goal is brilliant. He knows when to run and when to get in the middle of the goal. That is why he has scored so many goals in his career. Any striker needs to watch him and his movement because he is brilliant.”
The art of goalscoring clearly runs in the Rooney family, with Kai showcasing finishing ability to rival that of famous father Wayne.
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Arsenal are enjoying another brilliant campaign this season as they battle it out for the Premier League title and prepare for their Champions League round of 16 tie against FC Porto in the new year.
Mikel Arteta's men have built their current success around a resilient defence and steely midfield, although the one area of the team that hasn't been quite as good as last season is attack.
Gabriel Jesus is unquestionably the side's starting number nine, but the backup, Eddie Nketiah, has left a lot to be desired when he has played and is perhaps a player that can be replaced.
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That seems to be a sentiment shared by the club, as the latest player touted for a move to the Emirates looks to be the perfect upgrade on the Englishman, Benjamin Šeško.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are keen on signing a new striker in 2024, and one that has caught their attention is RB Leipzig frontman, Šeško.
The Slovenian international is a player whom the Gunners have a lot of 'admiration' for, although they aren't the only ones; according to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United were also keen on the exciting youngster in the summer of 2022.
However, instead of joining the Red Devils in 2022, Šeško opted to remain at RB Salzburg for another season before moving to RB Leipzig a year later for around €24m – about £21m.
His recent arrival and burgeoning talent means that any deal will likely cost the Gunners an arm and a leg, but with football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing the youngster a "future icon", it would probably be worth it.
If Arsenal were to go out and sign Šeško, it would be unlikely that the Slovenian would come in and replace Jesus, as the Brazilian has proven his worth to Arteta as more than simply a goalscorer.
Nketiah, on the other hand, has not, and with FBref considering him the second most similar player in Europe's top five leagues to the 20-year-old, he'd likely lose out.
However, how do the pair actually compare under the hood? Does the "prolific" Leipzig man, as described by Jacek Kulig, produce numbers impressive enough to oust the Gunners' number 14?
Well, in short, yes, yes, he does.
The 6 foot 4 "machine", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, outperforms the Arsenal man in almost every metric, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive carries, shot-creating actions and many others.
|
Benjamin Šeško vs Eddie Nketiah |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats (per 90) |
Šeško |
Nketiah |
|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists |
0.52 |
0.45 |
|
Progressive Carries |
1.79 |
1.72 |
|
Progressive Passes |
0.77 |
1.40 |
|
Shots on Target |
1.79 |
0.86 |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
3.06 |
2.68 |
|
Successful Take-Ons |
2.05 |
0.86 |
|
Aerial Duels Won |
2.82 |
1.61 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season |
||
Moreover, he is strides ahead of Nketiah when it comes to successful take-ons, aerial duels, and shots on target, pointing to a player who could potentially be the complete package were he given a chance at a club like Arsenal.
Ultimately, Nketiah isn't a bad player; in fact, he's clearly very talented, but so far, he hasn't quite been a difference-maker for Arsenal, whereas a player like Šeško could be.
USMNT star Josh Sargent's is suddenly a doubt for the Copa America after picking up an ankle injury for Norwich City on Thursday evening.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been here before, in the Premier League title race after the new year and knowing that the terrifying force that is Manchester City linger just behind, ready to capitalise on the slightest setback.
Still, the Reds are in first place after 20 matches and will be confident that they can stay in contention for a shot at silverware right until the very end, though there is likely an acceptance that the January transfer window might need to be utilised to strengthen the squad.
Arsenal have suffered a blip in form of late and Pep Guardiola's side has been somewhat out of sorts so far (write them off at your peril), while Aston Villa's surprise title-chasing form puts them in the conversation.
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All are in with a shout, and given that Liverpool's backline is somewhat thin – even if it is formidable – then this is surely the area that Klopp needs to target over the coming weeks, bolstering the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and co.
According to French newspaper Monaco-Matin – via Paisley Gates – Liverpool have shifted their focus on OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo as Klopp searches for a viable new option in central defence.
Chelsea, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all have a vested interest in the France international, though it is understood that he would command a fee of £40m and this has dissuaded several of the aforementioned suitors.
|
Liverpool rumoured centre-back targets for January |
Latest update |
|---|---|
|
Piero Hincapie |
17th December |
|
Goncalo Inacio |
17th December |
|
Leny Yoro |
15th December |
|
Ronald Araujo |
12th December |
|
Maxence Lacroix |
8th December |
Given Liverpool's acquisitions of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo across recent winter windows, there's a possibility that a deal could be struck, and it's down to Klopp and technical director Jorg Schmadtke to assess the feasibility of a formal offer.
Once described as the "complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Todibo has been a mainstay for a Nice side this term that are deservedly sat in second place in Ligue 1 with the best defensive record after 17 matches, with just nine goals conceded from 17 fixtures.
Typically found on the right side of the central defence, Todibo, aged 23, has been crucial in this feat after impressing with his blend of passing ability and defensive application, building on his previous performances and being rewarded with his Les Bleus debut in September.
As per Sofascore, Todibo has featured 14 times in the French top flight and has kept eight clean sheets, a rather remarkable record, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.9 tackles, 3.2 clearances and a whopping 7.9 ball recoveries per game, succeeding with 71% of his dribbles and 65% of his aerial battles.
His veteran defensive partner, Dante, spoke effusively to discuss his rise and improvements, revealing that his mixture of qualities allowed his brazen-at-times style to flourish.
Dante said: "He always played a risky game, far too risky. Now he has found real balance in his game between taking risks, dribbling out from the back because it’s the best thing to do and having fun on the pitch! I’m not saying he should kick the ball out into touch, never! I’d rather he takes a risk. And he’s progressed in that domain!"
Such traits have set him aside from the lion's share of defenders in Europe and have attracted the attention of ambitious outfits in the Premier League, who no doubt view that 'complete' modern style as something worth pursuing.
|
Jean-Clair Todibo: Strengths & Weaknesses |
|
|---|---|
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
Passing |
Discipline |
|
Tackling |
|
|
*Sourced via WhoScored |
|
As per FBref, Todibo ranks among the top 15% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted, successful take-ons and tackles and the top 18% for interceptions per 90.
The £20k-per-week titan is considered to be a "Rolls-Royce" of a player journalist Antonio Mango and would be a worthy addition at Anfield, especially so given the fact that Joel Matip's knee injury has ruled him out for the season – with the Cameroonian currently set for departure in June to compound his situation.
Todibo would be the perfect heir, and could even prove to be a better purchase than Goncalo Inacio, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Mere days ago, Portuguese media speculated that Liverpool are frontrunners for Sporting CP star Inacio's signature and have even tabled an official bid, though given the lack of reputable corroboration this should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Nonetheless, the interest is unquestionable and it's clear to see why Inacio – aged 22 – is such a sought-after commodity, with his level of creativity something that perhaps no other natural centre-back can quite replicate.
Indeed, the dynamic defenders ranks among the top 8% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for pass completion, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.
Now, these are incredible metrics and it wouldn't be a bad piece of business to meet Inacio's €60m (£52m) release clause, even if this might seem a little expensive.
And Inacio's left-footed style is something that Liverpool have been searching for too; in this regard, he holds an advantage over Todibo.
But the Les Aiglons phenom is no wayward distributor and he has an inventive approach that Liverpool could benefit from, with his defensive metrics also superior.
Inacio, for example, averages one tackle, 5.4 recoveries and 1.9 clearances in the Portuguese top flight this term while only succeeding in 47% of his contested duels. – which hardly evokes confidence in his solidity.
|
Jean-Clair Todibo: Similar Players |
||
|---|---|---|
|
# |
Player |
Club |
|
1 |
William Saliba |
Arsenal |
|
2 |
Fikayo Tomori |
AC Milan |
|
3 |
Pau Torres |
Aston Villa |
|
4 |
Sven Botman |
Newcastle United |
|
5 |
Ronald Araujo |
Barcelona |
|
*Sourced via Football Transfers |
||
Further, a glance at the type of player Todibo is comparable with only enriches the argument that he is the man for the job, with a variegated approach that has now left him "solid as a rock", as was said by Kulig.
Also ostensibly cheaper, Todibo would be the better option for transfer and this is who Klopp must invest time and effort into signing this winter, ahead of the crucial business end of the campaign.
Bayern Munich are showing significant interest in Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, whose agent recently met with several top European clubs.
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