Marco Silva has recently been forced to stick his faith back into some of the senior players in the Everton camp in the hopes of getting some momentum going before the season comes to an end and one player who has certainly used the opportunity to show his worth as a club stalwart again is Seamus Coleman.

The right-back has been rolling back the years in the past few weeks that saw the Toffees claim impressive wins over Chelsea and West Ham United with Saturday’s victory at the London Stadium a very dominant display by Marco Silva’s men.

Coleman had a busy afternoon against the Hammers, mainly on attacking duties, especially in the first-half as Everton applied heaps of pressure on the flanks, which caused West Ham a lot of problems. How good is it to see him doing well again, Toffees fans? It’s been far too long.

The 30-year-old’s linkup play with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison was very impressive, which gave him the opportunity to square a pass to Bernard for Everton’s second goal of the match.

Indeed, during the Chelsea visit just before the international break, Coleman was more lively in defence and had to cope with the likes of Eden Hazard to keep the Blues out in what was a brilliant defensive showing by the whole Everton outfit.

The experience and wisdom of Coleman has clearly helped this Everton team get some rhythm together and remain calm in certain pressure moments of the match.

The ‘back-to-basics’ approach by Silva looks to have worked after what has been a very turbulent campaign so far for Everton.

Perhaps Seamus Coleman will need replacing in the not too distant future but, right now, the Republic of Ireland stalwart is certainly rolling back the years. In one of the most important positions in modern football, his recent renaissance only adds to his legend as one of the club’s best ever modern-day signings.

Everton fans, how impressed have you been with Seamus Coleman of late? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

أكد فتحي مبروك لاعب ومدرب الأهلي الأسبق، أن الكتيبة الحمراء استحقت الفوز على الوداد البيضاوي المغربي في المباراة التي أقيمت مساء اليوم السبت.

وحقق الأهلي فوزًا على مضيفه الوداد البيضاوي المغربي، في المباراة التي أقيمت على ملعب محمد الخامس، في لقاء ذهاب الدور نصف النهائي ببطولة دوري أبطال افريقيا، بهدفين دون رد.

وقال فتحي مبروك في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “تن” عبر برنامج “البريمو”: “أول مباراة أرى فيها الوداد المغربي بهذا الأسلوب وهذا الشكل، وغابا عنه عدم الجاهزية والروح”.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب الأهلي: سنقاتل أمام الوداد في العودة.. وتتبقى خطوتان

وأضاف: “الأداء التكتيكي غير حاضر لدى الوداد، وأي شىء من عناصر اللعبة غير متواجد، الوداد كان لا يمتلك أي شىء”.

وتابع: “الأهلي كان يستحق الفوز وأفضل في كل شىء ولديهم روح البطولة، الأهلي كان يمكنه الفوز على الوداد بنتيجة كبيرة”.

وواصل: “الأهلي كان يمتلك العناصر القادرة على اللعب بأسلوب الضغط، وهذا ظهر في الهدف الأول للنادي الأهلي”.

وتابع: “لم يكن هناك فرص مؤثرة من الوداد على مرمى الأهلي باستثناء ركلة الجزاء، وهناك شك كبير حول صحتها”.

وأردف: “الأداء كان مميزًا جدًا ورائع من الأهلي، ومن النادر أن يحقق الأحمر المكسب خارج أرضه في الفترات الأخيرة، وهذه شهادة لـ موسيماني”.

واختتم: “في ظل هذا الأداء لنادي الوداد المغربي وهذه النتيجة، الأهلي يستطيع في مصر أن يحقق نتيجة أعلى من ذلك بكثير”.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة الإياب بين الأهلي والوداد مساء الجمعة المقبل على أرضية ميدان استاد القاهرة الدولي.

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Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter in disappointed fashion after it was revealed that they would be playing Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Red Devils haven’t faced the reigning Spanish champions competitively since the 2011 final of this competition, in which Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dispatched Sir Alex Ferguson’s United by three goals to one at Wembley.

Would you rather your club won the Premier League or Champions League? In the video below, Pl>ymaker FC’s Matty believes English clubs have already decided…

Obviously, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and some bloke called Lionel Messi in their ranks, the Catalans are one of the strongest teams left in the competition and will be hard work for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to overcome.

However, if they do manage to progress, a possible semi-final tie against arch-rivals Liverpool awaits if the Reds can beat Porto – if that isn’t motivation, then what is?

It’s safe to say that the United fans on Twitter aren’t happy with the draw, which has been unkind to them to say the least…

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Manchester United fans on Twitter have been busy discussing the Independent’s story on Declan Rice, which suggests that the Red Devils are willing to break the bank in order to sign the West Ham man.

Rice only recently signed a new five-and-a-half year deal back in December, that saw his £3,000-a-week salary increase to £30,000, although United are prepared to dwarf that figure completely with their offer.

Watch the video below to find out what Jesse Lingard is like off the pitch in the latest Match Of The Bae with Emma Conybeare…

The England international has shone for the Hammers this season in a midfield role, earning plaudits left, right and centre, and has been so impressive that the Irons are set to demand in excess of £50m for their academy product.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also looking to sign Jadon Sancho, as the 20-time Premier League champions target a youthful overhaul and a new strategy in the transfer market.

Despite his blossoming reputation, loads of United fans on Twitter strangely don’t want to see the 20-year-old arrive at Old Trafford for such a huge amount of money…

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DeAndre Yedlin is set to be deployed on the right-wing for his international side this week, so could this boost his stock at Newcastle United?

What’s the story?

Newcastle have put together a string of incredible home performances since the turn of the year, steering themselves away from relegation trouble in a manner very similar to last season.

The Magpies have won five home games on the bounce, and Yedlin has started in four of those five.

The speedy full back has been deployed at both right-back and wing-back under Rafael Benitez, and is now set for an even more advanced role for USA.

According to reports, the 25 year-old is expected to feature on the wing during USA’s friendlies against Ecuador and Chile.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

On the chalkboard

No one is for a moment suggesting that Benitez is suddenly going to utilise Yedlin as a regular winger, but his exploits for the national team could boost his Magpies career.

The American is perfect for that wing-back role in Benitez’s three-at-the-back system, but the speed and engine which allows him to bomb up and down the wing so effortlessly is often ruined by his lack of end product.

Playing on the wing for his country, even just for a few weeks, could give him the boost of confidence he needs to start arriving in the box at the right time to provide goals and assists, just as he did in the 2-1 defeat at the Etihad back in September.

With Benitez often known to switch between different systems, even changing to a back four during the recent win over Everton, having a player who can occupy three different positions down that right flank will be a huge boost.

In fact, when it comes to summer investment, it could save Benitez a lot of money. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Mike Ashley is not going to follow the Miguel Almiron signing with some mass spending spree, and Yedlin’s versatility will save money that can be better spent improving other parts of the squad.

Full-back is often pointed to on Tyneside as the position most in need of improvement, but could Yedlin step up to the plate with a bit of development in the final third? Newcastle fans, let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

أكد كارلو أنشيلوتي المدير الفني لنادي إيفرتون، غياب الدولي الكولومبي خاميس رودريجيز عن مواجهة ساوثهامبتون في الجولة المقبلة يوم الأحد بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

خاميس رودريجيز كان مؤثرًا في فريق إيفرتون منذ وصوله من ريال مدريد خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية.

طالع أيضًا.. أنشيلوتي: بيكفورد يشعر بالاحباط بسبب إصابة فان دايك

وقال أنشيلوتي في تصريحات لموقع إيفرتون الرسمي: “لسوء الحظ، واجه خاميس مشكلة أثناء المباراة أمام ليفربول، بسبب تدخل في بداية المباراة مع فان دايك”.

وأضاف: “لن يكون متاحًا لمواجهة ساوثهامبتون، لأنه يحتاج للراحة والعلاج، حتى نستعيده في المباريات المقبلة من الدوري”.

وأردف: “بالنسبة لـ ريتشارليسون، سيسبب لنا مشكلة كبيرة أيضًا، لأن هناك عدد من الغيابات الأخرى، مثل خاميس وشيموس كوليمان”.

واختتم: “نحن نعمل على إيجاد البديل المناسب لكل لاعب، هناك أليكس أيوبي، وجوردون، لدينا الكثير من اللاعبين يمكنهم اللعب أمام ساوثهامبتون”.

ويغيب رتشارليسون عن إيفرتون أمام ساوثهامبتون، بعدما تعرض للطرد في مواجهة ليفربول بعد تدخل عنيف على تياجو ألكانتارا.

With all this contract speculation circulating around Rafa Benitez, Newcastle fans are desperately hoping it ends with the Spaniard agreeing to extend his stay at St James’ Park in order to progress the team over the next few years.

That much is obvious, right? Well, considering the state of play on Tyneside right now, nothing else is.

Indeed, the least Mike Ashley can do is get him to sign a new contract, after all he’s done over the last few seasons. Not only is a great manager but he also acts as a lure for the better players for Newcastle to try and sign.

Everybody knows that. Why don’t you seem to grasp it, Mike?

After all, Newcastle’s side still most definitely needs improving and the summer promises to be the perfect opportunity to do just that. Clearly, a number of positions can be improved upon from a Newcastle perspective and with Antonio Barreca’s loan spell proving to be ineffective, interest they have previously held in a left-back – Stanley N’Soki – should be taken up again.

N’Soki, (who is valued at £7.6 million on Transfermarkt) was a target (as per the Chronicle) for Newcastle over the course of the January window but for whatever reason, a deal failed to materialise.

The 19-year-old has since been involved with the PSG first team a lot more than he and many others probably would have predicted. With 11 Ligue 1 appearances to his name and a further three in cup competitions, N’Soki has proven to be not just any youngster but one ready to play right now.

Able to play in centre-back as well as his usual position of left-back, N’Soki can provide helpful versatility to a side like Newcastle and undoubtedly would be a top addition. How nice would that be, Toon fans? Another left-back of note at long, long last.

Newcastle fans, how highly do you rate the PSG youngster? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Tottenham Hotspur have the perfect opportunity to embrace the pace against Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Harry Kane picked up a potentially serious ankle injury in the second half of the encounter before Son Heung-Min scored the winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On the chalkboard

Spurs, of course, have been forced to deal with a Kane layoff before this season.

The England captain tore his ankle ligaments in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley and subsequently missed encounters against Fulham, Watford, Newcastle United and Leicester City in the Premier League.

They won all four of those games, with Son scoring in each one, including the winner against the Magpies.

Kane was also absent from the Champions League last-16 first leg tie against Borussia Dortmund and Spurs won 3-0, with Son scoring the first goal.

In that game, Mauricio Pochettino lined up with Lucas Moura and Son as his forwards, with Christian Eriksen in behind.

Both players offer the one attribute that Kane lacks; pace.

There is also the possibility of moving Dele Alli into a more advanced role but one feels as though Tottenham need to embrace the fluidity offered by the more attacking duo further forward.

Flexible and fluid

Son and Lucas playing together may well bamboozle Pep Guardiola’s side.

Both are adept at featuring on the flank, but they each have the ability to play through the middle as well.

City do not have a great deal of pace in the centre of defence and there are myriad options afforded to Pochettino by playing the duo.

Each player could start on their respective flanks and drift inside, swapping with each other and a false nine – potentially Alli – to confuse the City defence.

One feels that Spurs need to score at the Etihad to progress, so difficult is it to keep a clean sheet against them when they are at home.

Playing both attackers together increases the chances of doing just that.

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It has been claimed by Spanish media outlet AS that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has decided he wants to leave Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

The France international has told his agent, the controversial Mino Raiola, and he’s already started the search for a new club for his client with suggestions that Real Madrid and Juventus could be on the table, per the original report.

The news will send shockwaves throughout the footballing world after the mass speculation over the player’s future faded away following the departure of Jose Mourinho from the Red Devils.

Seemingly happy under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pogba, in his third season at Man United, has scored 14 goals and notched 11 assists in all competitions in 2018/2019, a large portion of them coming since December, but now he is reportedly seeking a new challenge.

United must do everything in their power to stop this

There can be little doubt what United must do if these rumours are to be believed, everything in their power to stop Pogba from leaving.

The 26-year-old has been the poster boy of the Solskjaer revival as the Red Devils have defied the odds to work their way back into the Premier League top five.

The Norwegian already looks set to be installed as the permanent boss at Old Trafford and it will feel like all of his hard work has been undone if this departure occurs.

Pogba has been absolutely pivotal to the turnaround in fortunes and one can certainly question whether it would have happened to such a degree in the first place, without him.

At 26, he should be approaching the prime years of his career and losing him to a big European rival at this stage would be simply unforgivable, and Solskjaer ultimately needs to prove his worth for the second time by keeping the World Cup winner at Old Trafford.

Assuming the speculation about the caretaker manager is true the club can get back where they used to be soon, challenging for Premier League titles on a regular basis. However, it simply can’t and won’t happen if Pogba is not a red beyond the summer.

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Leeds United legend Gordon Strachan has told LeedsLive that the Yorkshire outfit can make waves in the transfer market this summer should they win promotion to the Premier League.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 62-year-old has been speaking about his former club as they remain in the automatic promotion race in the Championship with the season coming to a close.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men dropped to third following their 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United last weekend, but they are still just one point adrift of where they need to be to go straight up come what May.

Strachan believes that the club would make a big impact in the top flight should they get there, telling LeedsLive: “A lot depends on investment now. It’s huge. Recruitment’s huge in football now, no matter what club you’re at, it’s not so much tactics, it’s recruitment.

“Leeds can drag people, a lot of players in because of the atmosphere, the stadium, the history.

“They can do more than most clubs that get promoted.”

Exciting summer ahead?

It could well be.

There is no doubt that if Leeds do go up that Bielsa will want to strengthen his squad as well as keeping the faith with some of the players that had taken them to the Premier League, and it seems likely that he would be backed by owner Andrea Radrizzani in that case given the calibre of manager the Italian has at the helm.

Are Leeds set for another spectacular fall from grace? Ingood Nick believes so in the video below…

Adding some quality – especially in key areas of the pitch and throughout the spine of the team – could help the Yorkshire club make a huge impact not to dissimilar to the one Wolves have this term.