All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool operated at a considerable level of efficiency in the transfer market across the sweeping spell of Jurgen Klopp’s reign. It’s been a few days over nine years since the German replaced Brendan Rodgers at the helm, and oh how the Reds rose.

Of course, Klopp is in the dugout no longer, having stepped down from his managerial duties at the end of last season, since taking up a new job with Red Bull Sports Group as the earthwide organisation’s Head of Global Soccer.

From shrewd signings like Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum to mammoth moves for Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, two of the world’s finest to this day, Liverpool hit the jackpot in the market almost unerringly – there were only one or two arrivals who truly flattered to deceive.

There’s one flop above all others though. Of course, Naby Keita has got to be at the nadir across Klopp’s tenure, with injuries causing Liverpool to have wasted a significant sum.

Why Liverpool signed Naby Keita

Klopp’s Liverpool was taking off. With the 2016/17 campaign concluded, his first full term, the Merseysiders had restored their place in the Champions League and had established a framework for future illustrious heights that even then seemed like a far-fetched dream.

In August 2017, the club agreed a pre-contract move for Guinea international Keita, though the deal would not take place until the following summer. To achieve the signing, Liverpool agreed to meet the RB Leipzig star’s £48m release clause plus an undisclosed premium.

The Merseysiders were on the cusp of greatness, and no doubt fuelled Keita with excitement during the 2017/18 campaign, as he awaited the completion of his prospective venture, clinching Champions League football for a successive year and even reaching the prestigious competition’s final, albeit losing against Real Madrid.

Klopp was an ardent admirer of the dynamic midfielder’s properties, with his performances in Germany earning him acclaim and leading BBC reporter Steve Crossman to pronounce him as appearing to be ‘two players’, such was the dominance and ubiquity of his presence on the pitch.

He was immense, indestructible. Nothing could go wrong, only the improbable chance of developing brittle bones and fragile muscles, falling to shocking depths of injury issues.

That, dear reader, is exactly what happened.

Naby Keita's Liverpool career in numbers

Liverpool completed the signing of Keita in July 2018, with the total figure for his arrival believed to total around £53m. It was viewed as the statement move that the club had not realised for many, many years.

Gone were the days of woe, the time of languishing and strife. Liverpool had been pieced back together but now, possibly, was a new era, a golden sky painted across Merseyside, signalling the end of the storm.

Keita was supposed to be the linchpin. Possibly it’s doubly impressive that Liverpool’s new-found attacking power and fear factor was a mere overture to dominance: silver-laden success in the Premier League and Champions League both, with a range of cup triumphs to follow.

Initially compared to legend Steven Gerrard by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, Keita played just 84 times in the Premier League across his five-year stint at Anfield, equating to about 17 Premier League outings per term.

More shockingly, though, was that the Guinean only managed 90 minutes on 12 occasions in the top flight, which is a sharp illustration of the fitness struggles that precluded lasting influence on the field.

According to Transfermarkt, Keita missed 122 competitive matches throughout this sizeable portion of his career, ravaging any hopes of producing more than mild efforts, only tinctured with some of that once-mighty promise.

Such talent, such potential. Keita is one of Liverpool’s all-time ‘what-ifs’, for he could have been one of the very best players to have worn the red shirt, one of the finest Premier League midfielders, a centrepiece throughout a club’s stunning run of trophy-rich years.

Keita’s time in England, sadly, devolved into something of a nightmare, with the aforementioned injury problems limiting him to the most bit-part of roles. It was a disaster for both parties, with Liverpool, in hindsight, splurging a significant sum of money.

How much Naby Keita cost Liverpool

On top of the £53m figure that Liverpool coughed up to clinch Keita’s services, the nimble midfielder also took home a pretty penny.

Indeed, Keita earned £120k per week while at the Premier League outfit. He never extended his contract but did see it out, meaning that Klopp’s decision cost Liverpool some £18m in wages alone. Pair that up with the ace’s transfer fee, and it can be found that he bled Liverpool by some £71m in total, or £14m per campaign.

1.

Mohamed Salah

£350k-per-week

2.

Virgil van Dijk

£220k-per-week

3.

Thiago Alcantara

£200k-per-week

4.

Roberto Firmino

£180k-per-week

4.

Fabinho

£180k-per-week

4.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£180k-per-week

7.

Alisson Becker

£150k-per-week

8.

Darwin Nunez

£140k-per-week

8.

Diogo Jota

£140k-per-week

8.

Jordan Henderson

£140k-per-week

11.

Naby Keita

£120k-per-week

11.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

£120k-per-week

As you can see from the table above, he wasn’t the top earner – or even in the upper bracket – but £120k per week is no small sum and it’s a colossal waste of money for a player who simply can’t register their availability anything more than intermittently – let alone bringing fluency and tactical experience into the mix.

It meant that he took home far more than, for example, Ibrahima Konate, whose £70k-per-week contract might only be approaching an upgrade, with Liverpool looking to tie the centre-back down to a new deal.

Reporter Charlotte Coates even described the deal as the “worst signing” of the Klopp era, and it’s hard to dispute otherwise. Keita might not have earned the staggering sums that some of Liverpool’s most renowned of stars do but this is down to his failure to even merit consideration of a fresh deal – something that the titanic Konate, who has been imperious under Arne Slot this season, is now at the centre of.

In the grand scheme of things, Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign a midfielder for the ages didn’t prove too costly, but it’s rueful to think of the heights that might have been reached with a fully-fit Keita in Klopp’s finest team.

Slot must ditch Szoboszlai and unleash Liverpool's "star in the making"

He is regarded as a superb talent

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 10, 2024

Ahead of their meeting this weekend, Liverpool now reportedly want to bring in another Chelsea youngster after already signing Rio Ngumoha in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool transfer news

Amid their search for a midfielder and the unexpected arrivals of Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool landed what was seen as an impressive coup throughout youth football this summer as Ngumoha arrived on Merseyside. In fact, it was seen as such a frustrating move that Chelsea have since banned Liverpool scouts from their Cobham training ground, according to James Pearce.

Forget Trent: Liverpool have another £100m star in the making

Liverpool could soon have a real superstar on their hands under Arne Slot

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 17, 2024

The story of Chelsea players going on to become star men at Anfield is an all too familiar tale for those at Stamford Bridge, who have seen the likes of Daniel Sturridge and one of the all-time Premier League greats, Mohamed Salah, eventually steal the show in Liverpool colours. Now, Ngumoha is on course to become the latest to do so if all goes to plan.

Within Liverpool’s academy, the winger will be looking to repeat the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has written himself into Anfield history and is beginning to do the same for England, enjoying yet another excellent international break with the Three Lions.

It seems as though Chelsea have every right to be fearful of a Ngumoha repeat too. According to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on Josh Acheampong, who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 18-year-old right-back may well be seen as a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold as his Liverpool contract runs down and links with a move to Real Madrid continue to come thick and fast. In a deal that would deal Chelsea’s academy a second blow in just six months, the Reds look to have a plan place should their star man depart.

"Dominant" Acheampong could eventually replace Alexander-Arnold

Whilst replacing Alexander-Arnold would be a lot to place on the shoulders of a player yet to make his mark on Premier League football, Liverpool can think of the long-term by signing Acheampong. The Chelsea gem would be joining former teammate Ngumoha in a set-up that Jurgen Klopp built for young players to eventually break into Liverpool’s starting side.

Many were left impressed by Liverpool’s previous swoop on Chelsea’s academy and if the praise of analyst Ben Mattinson is anything to go by, then they’ll be equally, if not more impressed if the Reds manage to land Acheampong’s signature. The teenager was described as a “dominant wide-channel” defender alongside teammate Ishe Samuels-Smith.

As Real Madrid come calling for Liverpool’s own academy graduate, the Reds could continue a domino effect by turning their attention towards Acheampong and Chelsea’s academy once again next summer.

Glasgow Rangers are back in action in the Scottish Premiership this Sunday as they prepare to travel away from Ibrox to take on Kilmarnock.

The Light Blues have had a weekend off due to the October international break, whilst a number of their stars have been away playing for their respective nations.

Connor Barron and John Souttar were both a part of the Scotland squad that claimed a fantastic 0-0 draw against Portugal in the Nations League on Tuesday night.

The former did not get off the bench, after being called up from the U21 side, but the former put on a defensive masterclass with his performance.

John Souttar's performance against Scotland in numbers

Souttar was selected to start at the heart of the defence for Scotland and was tasked with dealing with a front three of Juventus’ Francisco Conceição, Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota.

Per Capology, the trio earn a whopping €4m (£3.3m) per week in wages, €3.8m-per-week of which is Ronaldo’s significant Al Nassr pay packet.

Despite the Portuguese attack’s high-valued operators, Souttar silenced Roberto Martinez’s forward line with ease in what was a terrific display at the back.

The Scottish titan won 100% (5/5) of his duels against the Portugal players, winning three of his three ground battles and both of his aerial contests, and this shows that the Gers star did it with ease.

He also made one block, one tackle, and five clearances, whilst no player was able to dribble past him, which speaks to his defensive solidity throughout the game.

His superb defending meant that Ronaldo only managed one shot on target in 90 minutes on the pitch, which he failed to find the back of the net with, and this shows that the attacker silenced the legendary striker – as well as Jota and Conceição.

John Souttar's form for Rangers this season

Philippe Clement will now be hoping that Souttar can take the confidence gained from this outstanding performance into his display against Kilmarnock in the Premiership this weekend.

The Scottish colossus has enjoyed a strong but not perfect start to the season in the top-flight alongside experienced Dutchman Robin Propper for the Light Blues.

He has started all seven of the club’s matches in the division and they are currently five points behind leaders Celtic and Aberdeen, which shows that there is still plenty of work left to be done.

Appearances

7

Pass accuracy

92%

Clean sheets

5

Ground duel success rate

56%

Aerial duel success rate

61%

As you can see in the table above, the former Hearts star has helped Rangers to keep five clean sheets in seven games but has not been completely dominant in his duels, winning less than 60% of his ground battles.

Notably, Souttar lost six of his nine duels and all four of his contests on the deck in the 3-0 defeat to Celtic, which shows that his dueling is an area for improvement.

The Scotland international won 100% of his duels against a £3.3m-per-week front three against Portugal and should look to replicate that level of physical dominance in the Premiership moving forward.

Rangers must sell Ibrox flop who earns even more than Tom Lawrence

Rangers have been told that they should have cashed in on the forward.

ByDan Emery Oct 15, 2024

Brighton are now racing to sign a young star who has been dubbed Nicolo Barella 2.0 as they look to get a deal done before January, according to a fresh report.

Brighton keeping pace at the top

Fabian Hurzeler’s arrival at the AMEX Stadium in the wake of Roberto De Zerbi’s departure last season raised more than a few eyebrows, but the 31-year-old has made a strong start to his career in the Premier League.

Backed by heavy investment bettered only by Chelsea across the top flight over the summer, the Seagulls have lost just once so far this season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League, just two points behind fourth placed Aston Villa.

Premier League Table: Latest EPL standings for 2024/25 season

Stay up to date with the English Premier League standings after matchday 33.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

They could have been higher if it hadn’t been for a late collapse against Wolves, which saw them throw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in stoppage time courtesy of a goal from Matheus Cunha to rescue a point for Gary O’Neil’s side.

And Hurzeler didn’t hold back after the game, accusing his side of a lack of maturity and professionalism.

“We lost two points and we failed today in our development. We were not mature enough, not professional enough to win this game. We have to learn quick from this”, he told reporters after the game.

“We were not ruthless enough in defending set pieces, we had a big chance to go for the third goal, we missed this and then get punished. We were not acting professionally and we have to learn from this. That is very important.”

However, Brighton’s recent model has always been to buy younger players and develop them into such top professionals before selling for a profit, and it is one that they are not planning to change any time soon.

Brighton in urgent race to sign Italian midfielder

Now, it has emerged that the Seagulls are in a race with several other clubs from Europe to sign Empoli’s Jacopo Fazzini this January.

The midfielder, who doesn’t turn 22 until March, has impressed in his short career to date and has drawn glowing praise. Football Analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him a [Nico] “Barella Regen” on X, adding that “he’s a really exciting prospect who will surely develop into a top midfielder for Italy and whichever team he ends up at”.

And Brighton are trying to ensure that team is them, with reports in France [via Sport Witness] claiming that both OGC Nice and the Seagulls are hot on the tail of the midfielder, whose future, they claim, could be “decided in the coming weeks” ahead of a potential move in January.

Jacopo Fazzini vs Nicolo Barella 24/25 Serie A

Niccolo Barella

Jacopo Fazzini

Appearances

6

6

Goals and Assists

2

0

Pass Accuracy

81.8%

74.1%

Shots on target per 90

1.46

1.18

Shot creating actions per 90

2.74

2.95

Tackles and interceptions per 90

1.45

2.75

It is thought that Empoli value their gem at just £5m, which could make him a low-cost option to add to the Brighton engine room alongside the hugely impressive Carlos Baleba. Could he be the next superstar in the making to arrive on the south coast?

An “exciting” and “popular” member of Arsenal’s squad could be tempted by a transfer to fierce rivals Tottenham, with the Lilywhites now considering what is viewed as a surprise move.

Tottenham team news as Spurs prepare to face Aston Villa

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is now preparing his side to face high-flying top-four rivals Aston Villa, fresh off the back of a much-needed Carabao Cup win over Premier League champions Man City.

Tottenham recruiters sent to club as Ange considers £10m forward

The Australian is contemplating his arrival.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 2, 2024

Their inconsistent run of form so far this season has yielded four wins, four defeats and a draw – while Villa are coming into this game boasting just one loss in the league all season, which came at the hands of Arsenal in August.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Sunday

Tottenham vs Ipswich Town

November 10

Man City vs Tottenham

November 23

Tottenham vs Fulham

December 1

Bournemouth vs Tottenham

December 5

However, the contrasting fortunes of both sides only tell half the story, with Villa boss Unai Emery admitting that Spurs deserve more points from their performances this season.

Unfortunately for Postecoglou, the Australian will be without star defender Micky van de Ven, in what is a real blow considering the Dutchman’s importance. Cristian Romero is also a doubt to face Villa, meaning Postecoglou could be forced to select a centre-back pairing of Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies in a worst-case scenario.

Timo Werner and Son Heung-min are also touch-and-go for the game, depending on late fitness tests. Emery called Spurs favourites to win their clash with Villa, but if Postecoglou is without this quartet, Villa would surely be fancying their chances to win this one.

“The boys worked hard the other night. The main one is Micky, and he has sort of strained a hamstring,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham team news.

“It is not too serious but probably [he will return] after the international break for him. The other ones who were a bit sore were Romero and Werner, but at the moment there is still a chance for the weekend. Sonny has trained today so if he gets through training tomorrow, he should be okay.”

Meanwhile, away from the field, it is believed technical director Johan Lange is plotting a head-turning transfer move to poach a rival player from across north London.

Karl Hein could be tempted to join Tottenham from Arsenal

As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein is a surprise target for Spurs.

Current backup ‘keeper Fraser Forster is out of contract next summer and is set to leave on a free as things stand, with Arsenal’s 22-year-old Estonia international sticking out in Tottenham’s thinking as a possible replacement.

Currently on loan at Real Valladolid, the towering 6 foot 4 shot-stopper has only just penned a new deal at the Emirates, yet it is claimed that Hein could be tempted by a move to Tottenham as Postecoglou’s side consider swooping next year.

Other reports have claimed that Spurs are prepared to bid for Hein, so perhaps this is one worth watching. Despite his very young age for a goalkeeper, Hein already boasts 34 outings for his country and has plenty of time to surpass a century of international caps with ease.

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has also called him an “exciting” and “popular” player at the club.

Arsenal are expected to “cash in” on a high-earning first-team player in the January transfer window, as a claim emerges that he is no longer in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.

Arsenal players who could leave the club in 2025

Both Thomas Partey and Jorginho could be well into their final season at Arsenal, with both midfielders out of contract next summer, but there are a select few others who are facing uncertain futures right now.

Arsenal chiefs think they could mimic Odegaard signing in £25m playmaker

They’ve emerged as serious contenders to sign him.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 19, 2024

Poland international Jakub Kiwior, who has played just 321 minutes in all competitions this season, making just four appearances in that time, is a squad member struggling to establish himself under Arteta.

The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023, but the arrival of versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori has somewhat limited him in terms of match action, resulting in consistent links with a move away from N5.

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Serie A clubs are looking at signing Kiwior in January amid his precarious situation in north London, with some sections of the Italian media claiming Antonio Conte’s Napoli could launch a bid to take him on loan for the second half of 2024/2025.

Meanwhile, the writing appears on the wall for left-back Kieran Tierney, who hasn’t played a competitive match for Arsenal since the 2023 Community Shield final.

Tierney has accepted that he will be sold by Arsenal when the transfer window reopens, according to reliable journalist Charles Watts, with the Scotland international currently battling his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered at Euro 2024.

More names are likely to appear in the build-up to winter, and another left-back has now been floated for Arsenal’s transfer list.

Arsenal expected to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko in January

According to well-connected former Premier League scout Mick Brown, who still has contacts within the game, £150,000-per-week ace Oleksandr Zinchenko could leave the club.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown says he expects Arsenal to “cash-in” on Zinchenko when the January window opens.

“There are three players at the club they’d be looking to sell,” said Brown.

“And that’s Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney. They’re not in the manager’s plans. When it comes to sales, you have to look at who your assets are. We know there’s been interest in Saliba, for example, but I think he’s one of the last players they’d ever consider selling for any sort of money.

“If they feel they need to raise money, they’ve got these players who they’re far more likely to turn to. That’ll take a big chunk off of the wage bill and help them to reinvest in strengthening their squad.

“Sometimes the way it works is you’ve got to let some fringe players leave, raise a bit of money from them, and then refresh the squad with new backup options. It seems counterproductive, but it helps to keep the squad fresh and provide new options.

“Especially if you don’t think they’re good enough to play a role any more, or if you’ve got better options in their positions. So first are foremost, these are the players I expect they’ll cash in on.“

The Ukraine international has played just 178 minutes in all competitions, partly due to injury problems, but it makes little sense for Arsenal to have such a bit-part player taking up reasonable space on their salary bill.

Glasgow Rangers have endured their fair share of struggles this season, partly due to the fact they have laboured in front of goal.

Indeed, the Light Blues have scored just 17 Premiership goals across 12 matches. This tally is lower than St Mirren, Dundee United and Dundee, who are all below the club in the table.

Philippe Clement has been forced to persist with Cyriel Dessers as his number nine, yet the Nigerian has found the back of the net just ten times throughout the season so far.

His failings lie in his actual performances, however, as the player prefers to play facing the opposition goal, meaning he fails to link up with others behind him, often leaving the Light Blues playing with ten men during games.

How Clement and the club would love to have a striker who was competent in front of goal but also loved working with the midfield and wingers to create chances and bring others into play.

Alfredo Morelos is a prime example of a former Rangers striker who had all the attributes to not only score regularly but to drop deep when required. Just how well would he get on in this current team if he was at his peak?

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

The Colombian forward moved to Ibrox in the summer of 2017 as Pedro Caixinha was looking to build a squad which could topple Celtic and end their domestic dominance.

He cost just £1m, a fee that would prove to be a bargain later on, but at the time, it was certainly a massive gamble.

The striker took to Scottish football with ease, scoring 18 goals during his debut season and this would only get better under the management of Steven Gerrard.

30 goals followed in 2018/19, while another 29 came during the 2019/20 campaign as Morelos thrived under Gerrard’s leadership, expanding his overall game to include linking up with others, rather than just being a main focal point.

He even began to break records too. In November 2020, Morelos scored his 22nd European goal for the Light Blues, breaking Ally McCoist’s record of 21 in the process, proving just how vital he was to the cause.

He won his first major honour with the club in 2021 as they claimed the Premiership title, but the next two seasons would see injury issues and a loss of form impact the player.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

45

12

7

2021/22

42

18

8

2020/21

44

17

13

2019/20

47

29

9

2018/19

48

30

12

2017/18

43

18

8

With Rangers racing towards the Europa League final in 2022, Morelos suffered an injury on international duty which kept him out for the rest of the season. Had he been fit, the Ibrox side may have defeated Eintracht Frankfurt.

Entering into the last year of his contract, it was clear Morelos’ head wasn’t quite in the right frame of mind as he scored just 12 goals during the 2022/23 season.

At one stage, it looked like the Gers would make a stunning profit on the player, but he chose to leave for free in May 2023 and hasn’t been the same since, currently playing for Atlético Nacional in his homeland.

Following Hamza Igamane’s European exploits, might the Moroccan striker have the potential to turn into Morelos 2.0 for the Light Blues? Especially as the pair share similar qualities.

Hamza Igamane’s Rangers statistics

The Belgian was keen to bring in another striker to bolster his first-team squad and there were several names linked throughout the summer transfer window.

A move for Igamane perhaps went slightly under the radar as not much was known about him. Indeed, he cost the club around £1.7m, which, for someone who had made only 58 senior appearances in his career, appeared a decent sum of money.

It was clear he would be battling it with Dessers and Danilo for the main attacking role in the team, yet this didn’t daunt him, despite taking a few months to finally make an impression at the club.

Igamane had to wait until September to make his first team debut for Rangers, and it came during the Old Firm defeat to Celtic. With ten minutes left, the Moroccan took to the field but didn’t have time to make any meaningful impact.

He was given 25 minutes against Dundee United two weeks later and his arrival on the pitch gave the fans a glimpse of what the future might hold. The striker was full of running and his neat touches and flicks certainly made him more dynamic than Dessers.

It has been on the European stage where the 22-year-old has made his biggest impact. Against FCSB in October, Igamane netted his first goal for the club during their 4-0 win in the Europa League.

Against OGC Nice in midweek, he was even better. Not only did the centre-forward score twice, but he also grabbed an assist, made three key passes and attempted six dribbles, of which two were successful.

The youngster also won four of his five aerial duels and this physical strength, combined with a natural goalscoring instinct and the ability to drop deep, indicates he has shadows of Morelos about him.

That is the verdict of former Dundee United goalkeeper Trevor Carson, at least, who previously claimed on the Open Goal Podcast that there is “a wee bit of Morelos about him”.

If given time to develop, Igamane could be a key part of the club’s future, especially if the display against Nice is a sign of things to come, having been praised for his “unbelievable composure and accuracy” by former Gers striker, Steven Thompson.

Perhaps he is one to watch in the present, as Dessers has struggled largely this season while Danilo is still looking to reach peak fitness.

Could this see the promising starlet achieve more game time in Europe and domestically over the next few weeks? He has the hallmarks of a truly wonderful striker, for that there is no doubt.

The 10 greatest Rangers players of all time – ranked

Rangers have had plenty of legendary players turn out for them over the years.

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 29, 2024

Leicester City are now eyeing a move to replace Steve Cooper with an “exceptional” new manager in a bid to avoid relegation, it has been reported.

Leicester lose again

A third loss in five Premier League games saw Leicester City edge back towards the relegation zone as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. Boos rang around the King Power Stadium at points during their defeat on Saturday lunchtime, with the Foxes offering very little by way of attack for much of the encounter and Cooper’s style of football coming under increasing scrutiny.

They managed just a single shot on target across the entire encounter, a penalty in the 94th minute, and just four shots in total, underlining just how poor they were against former manager Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side.

Leicester’s woeful attacking stats against Chelsea

Goals

1

Shots on target

1

Shots

4

xG from open play

0.32

Touches in the opposition box

9

“It’s one of the toughest games so far this season and proved to be that challenge. The first 30 minutes were a challenge and for all of the defending that we had to do, we ended up giving away a really soft goal”, Cooper explained, before saving special criticism for the refereeing performance on show.

“We’ve had a lot of bad luck with this referee this year. It’s our third or fourth game with him and it’s not been the best of times. It continued today.

“The last thing [referees’ body] PGMOL needed was that performance. He’s got some big decisions massively wrong and in general a couple of advantages he blew up.”

But even with favourable refereeing decisions, Leicester would have been fortunate to claim a draw, and the result leaves them on just 10 points from 12 games, something that has given the Foxes hierarchy food for thought.

Leicester now target ex-Premier League boss

Now, reports in Spain claim that Leicester are already looking at potential replacements for Cooper as the Foxes face a favourable run of fixtures ahead.

And one of the men that they are considering making a move for is ex-West Ham, Manchester United and Everton coach David Moyes, who has been out of work since his time with the Hammers came to an end over the summer.

The report claims that the Scot, who has six career wins against Leicester City in 14 attempts, “has proven his ability to manage teams in difficult situations”, while his favoured 4-2-3-1 system is not too different from that which Cooper is already implementing, suggesting that the players wouldn’t take too long to adapt to their new manager.

There is no time frame mentioned over when a decision may be made on Cooper’s future, but Moyes remains without work and could be keen to return to the Premier League, where he has managed almost 700 games.

Leicester City eyeing move for "exciting" £17m Abdul Fatawu replacement

The winger is set to miss the rest of the season.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 22, 2024

The Scot is well regarded by his fellow bosses too, with Mikel Arteta dubbing him an “exceptional” coach before the sides met last season, having played under him at Everton.

“I would go through a brick wall for him when he was my manager. I think everybody would in that squad. [He is] exceptional at managing the group and dealing with individuals, and a very special person, a really special human being.”

Could he be the man to keep the Foxes in the Premier League?

Glasgow Rangers scored six goals at Ibrox for the second time this season during their midweek victory over Kilmarnock.

They face a long trip to the Highlands today in the Premiership, taking on Ross County. The Light Blues lost 3-2 on their last trip up north back in April, and they will be looking to avenge this defeat.

Philippe Clement will have taken plenty of positives from the midweek win, especially as several players delivered wonderful performances.

One player who looked comfortable in his first start of the campaign was Danilo. Going forwards, he could be vital for the club, no doubt about that.

Danilo's performance vs Kilmarnock

Cyriel Dessers has been the main centre-forward used by Clement, as Danilo has taken longer than anticipated to get over the knee injury he suffered in December 2023.

Therefore, he has been restricted to just eight appearances this term, scoring three goals in the process.

Unleashed from the start against Killie, Danilo gave the fans exactly what they were looking for, a dominant performance from their main centre-forward.

He managed to get on the scoresheet, but perhaps more crucially, impressed with his dynamism and link-up play. The Brazilian also succeeded with all three of his dribbles, registering six total shots and winning four of his five ground duels.

This could be the catalyst which sees Danilo emerge as Clement’s main striker. Against County, the Belgian must unleash a player who can take him to even bigger highs – Nedim Bajrami.

Why Clement must unleash Nedim Bajrami

The Albanian joined the Gers in the summer and has added such much-needed creativity to the attack.

In 17 games for the club, Bajrami has scored three goals while adding an assist, despite playing in an unfamiliar role on the left wing.

In the top flight, the former Sassuolo gem has created four big chances, averaged 1.4 key passes and succeeded with 1.9 dribbles per game, impressive statistics to say the least.

Amid his links to Rangers towards the end of the transfer window, Kai Watson, founder of the Rangers Journal, profiled the attacking midfielder, saying: “A technically gifted, intelligent footballer than can play in multiple positions with plenty of Serie A experience.”

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

1

1

Assists

0

0

Key passes per 90

1.4

2.4

Big chances created

4

6

Successful dribbles per 90

1.9

2.6

Mohamed Diomande operated in the number ten role against Killie, enjoying a relatively solid performance, but Bajrami will offer fresh legs. With two massive ties against Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic coming up in the next seven days, squad rotation will be crucial.

The Albanian’s positive running and ability to pick out a pass will allow him to provide plenty of chances for Danilo, who will be keen to add to his goal tally this term.

Regardless of who plays against the Staggies, all that matters is securing three points while delivering a positive display.

This will allow momentum to keep building ahead of the trip to London to take on Spurs in the Europa League on Thursday.

Sold for £500k: Rangers may regret losing star who's now outperforming Hagi

Rangers sold a player in the summer who is shining for his new club

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 7, 2024

Leeds United were left disappointed coming from Lancashire on Saturday after they could only scramble to secure a draw away at Preston North End.

They found themselves 1-0 down to a strike from Brad Potts in the first-half and spent the rest of the game struggling to break down Paul Heckingbottom’s side, before a stoppage time own goal from Jack Whatmough made it 1-1.

The result has left the Whites in second place in the Championship table, three points behind Sheffield United in first, and Daniel Farke will surely have his sights set on moving to the top.

One player who could be ruthlessly ditched from the starting line-up in order to help Leeds to go one step further is attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who has struggled in recent weeks.

Brenden Aaronson's recent form for Leeds

The USA international lined up as the number ten in the 1-1 draw with Preston and produced an underwhelming display for the West Yorkshire outfit.

He failed to create a single chance for his teammates in 65 minutes on the pitch and missed a ‘big chance’, as Sam Byram’s flick to him in the box presented a fantastic opportunity to hit the target – only for Aaronson to fire well over the bar.

The former RB Salzburg star has now produced one goal, zero assists, and zero ‘big chances’ created in his last eight matches in the Championship for Leeds, with the goal coming in the form of a tap in from close range against Middlesbrough.

Farke must, now, finally ditch him from the starting line-up because of his lack of production at the top end of the pitch, and he could do so by unleashing another player in a new role at Elland Road.

The Leeds star who could learn a new role

Mateo Joseph initially thought he had secured the draw off the bench for the Whites on Saturday, only for it to end up being an own goal from Whatmough, after his run and attempted flick at the near post created the equaliser.

The Spain U21 international, who has played the vast majority of his career as a centre-forward, appeared to be in a slightly deeper role when he came on, with Patrick Bamford ahead of him, and it almost worked perfectly after he jumped onto a loose ball around 25 yards out and drove forward before firing an excellent shot from distance that forced Freddie Woodman to parry it wide.

Joseph, who was hailed as “dynamite” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a dynamic forward who can drive with the ball, create chances for his teammates, and link-up play, which is why he could suit playing as a number ten.

Appearances

21

Starts

10

Goals

2

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate has not found his feet as a goalscorer, yet, but has shown impressive creativity, with four ‘big chances’ created in ten starts.

This suggests that he could thrive as an attacking midfielder, in a position to create chances for his teammates, and that is why Farke should finally ditch Aaronson to unleash Joseph in a new role.

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