All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal thought they were back in the groove. The Gunners had dispatched the likes of West Ham, Sporting and Manchester United since the last international break of the year but fell short when they travelled to Fulham.

We know the Premier League isn’t easy. The way Mikel Arteta’s men have relentlessly attempted to chase down Manchester City is a testament to that.

Well, they are ahead of City this time around but the trouble is, Arsenal still only sit in third place.

Chelsea leapfrogged them courtesy of a remarkable 4-2 win over Spurs and even though Liverpool didn’t play due to adverse weather conditions, the gap between them and Arteta’s side is still six points.

So, where’s it all gone wrong so far this season? Well, three red cards certainly haven’t helped. Neither did skipper Martin Odegaard’s 12-game absence due to an ankle injury.

The bottom line, however, is that Arsenal simply haven’t been good enough for long periods of time. A lot of that can be owed to an underperforming attack.

Arsenal's underperforming attackers

Let’s get this out of the way first. When at their best, Arteta’s forward line is one of the very best in Europe. Bukayo Saka – the division’s top assister – has proven he is now one of the finest wingers on the continent and coupled with Odegaard, Arsenal have created perhaps their most dynamic duo since the days of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

Alas, it is the players on the opposite flank who have often let the club down in crucial moments this season.

Leandro Trossard may have found a degree of form in recent weeks, scoring against Sporting and West Ham nine days ago. Yet, there was that foolish red card at the Etihad and it was his misplaced pass that ultimately led to William Saliba’s sending off against Bournemouth.

The Belgian may have finished as the club’s second-top scorer last term on 17 goals but he simply hasn’t been at the races this term, registering just four goals in 20 games.

Gabriel Martinelli has not fared much better and his piece of play deep in the game at Craven Cottage as Arsenal drew 1-1 typified his season.

The Brazilian did incredibly well to cut inside and curl a tantalising ball to the back post where Saka headed home. It looked like Arsenal had a late winner. But wait…what’s this? It’s the dreaded VAR.

It was a “criminal” mistake in the words of Paul Merson, as Martinelli strayed offside and ruined Arsenal’s chances of narrowing the gap at the top to four points.

That being said, some of the blame should lie at the feet of another Brazilian; Gabriel Jesus.

Why it's time for Gabriel Jesus to go

Over the summer, the club finally decided to part ways with Eddie Nketiah. He had become the third choice option behind Jesus and surprisingly, Kai Havertz.

It was predominantly the German’s form as a centre-forward that provoked that sale and since then he scored four goals in his first seven league matches of 2024/25.

While the goals haven’t been quite as forthcoming in the Premier League since, he still brings a great deal to the attack with his pressing and hold up play.

Unfortunately, like Nketiah, Jesus does not offer much at all. He has scored just one league goal in 2024 to date and ruined his chance to rescue things for Arteta on Sunday afternoon.

Truth be told, it was a rough old day for Havertz who didn’t have a single shot on target in the clash. Change was needed and the more dynamic and tricky Jesus was a wise option to call upon.

His cameo was rather dire, though. The former Man City striker registered a truly awful pass success rate of 17% after he left the field and also messed up a goalscoring opportunity in bizarre fashion.

Minutes played

17

Touches

8

Accurate passes

1/6 (17%)

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

1/1

Possession lost

5x

Tackles

1

The ball was lifted over the Fulham defence by Declan Rice and the 27-year-old had an ideal opportunity to tuck the ball away when one-on-one with Bernd Leno. Except Jesus didn’t actually make contact with the ball. He paused, seemingly unsure as to whether the ball would come to him and rather than being gifted with a simple chance it fell straight into Leno’s arms.

That lack of confidence, that lack of conviction typified his sorry calendar year. Perhaps rather harshly, Arsenal reporter Connor Humm noted that the £45m signing “doesn’t look like he could score in League 2.” It does feel like that at times, it must be said.

Gabriel Jesus (centre) could have won the game for Arsenal

Truth be told, Jesus’ decline has been particularly sad. Yes, the Brazil international has struggled with injuries over the last 18 months or so but let us remember the immediate impact he made at the Emirates.

After signing from title rivals City in the summer of 2022, he scored five goals in his first eight league outings. That form has never been replicated since.

Unfortunately, it feels as though this could be the beginning of the end of Jesus’ time in an Arsenal shirt. They will undoubtedly recruit a new forward in 2025 and as a result, someone will have to be shipped on. He is now a prime candidate.

5/10 Arsenal star just had his worst game all season

Arsenal were held by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

ByMatt Dawson Dec 8, 2024

Northants unable to capitalise on enforced follow-on as spinners are thwarted

ECB Reporters Network01-May-2022Paul Walter fell agonisingly seven runs shy of a maiden first-class century, and three runs short of his career-best, though his mercurial 93 ensured Essex held on to save both the game and face against Northamptonshire.The tall left-hander anchored Essex’s second innings for five and a half hours before he was undone by a delivery from occasional bowler Saif Zaib that spun past his half-cock forward defensive.But his good work was carried on, though without the same panache, by Adam Wheater who used up 174 balls of the day’s allocation while scoring just 33 runs. In the end Wheater was still there to accept the handshake of Northampton captain Ricardo Vasconcelos on the draw just after five o’clock.Off-spinner Rob Keogh wheeled away relentlessly for 33 overs to claim 4 for 51, supported by seamer Tom Taylor who charged in to return figures of 3 for 62. But their joint efforts were in vain.Northamptonshire had enforced the follow-on at lunch-time on day three after racking up a 197-run lead on first innings. But they were unable to make the inroads they were hoping for on the final morning and they enjoyed only sporadic success thereafter.With Walter leading the rearguard action, Essex lost just two wickets before lunch while moving into a position where Northamptonshire would have needed to bat again.Essex batted out the final five sessions of the match, showing greatly improved application among their middle-order than in the first innings when they collapsed to 83 for 8. They were rescued then by a Shane Snater-inspired tail-end insurgence that took their total to 193 in reply to Northamptonshire’s 390.On a docile pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers, the overnight pair of Critchley and Walter reached the century milestone for the fourth wicket without undue alarm. Immediately, though, Critchley chased a wide delivery from Tom Taylor and spooned to short mid-off for 47.Walter, whose top score remains his 96 against Gloucestershire last summer, was particularly strong off his legs. One flick to the long-leg boundary off Gareth Berg took Essex into the black for the first time in the game, 82 overs into their second innings.Feroze Khushi joined Walter in a free-scoring, 69-run stand that was ended when a delivery from Taylor leapt off a length and Khushi was caught behind for 30.When Walter departed after a 246-ball stay as the sixth man down, Essex’s lead was just 67 with a minimum of 54 overs remaining. But Wheater dug in doggedly, batting all the way through the afternoon session while facing 100 balls and adding just 16 to his personal account.But he lost Simon Harmer after 16 overs’ joint resistance when the South African all-rounder steered Keogh into first slip’s hands. Keogh claimed a third wicket when Snater swept injudiciously to Zaib stationed just inside the midwicket boundary. The lead had now become 107 with 27 possible overs left.With six men around the bat, Mark Steketee thumped Keogh back for two boundaries but was then beaten outside his attempted defensive fend-off by the off-spinner. It just remained for Wheater and Same Cook to see out three overs for one run before curtains were drawn.

The 18-year-old used to wake up at 4am to help the family business and now he has an exciting future in Pep Guardiola's defence

Most of Manchester City's best youth prospects spend their childhoods playing on pristine pitches, eating the best food and working with the best coaches in the business at the world-class City Football Academy. But City's latest exciting young talent had quite a different upbringing to that of his future team-mates. Abdulai Juma Bah would wake up at four in the morning in Sierra Leone to deliver wood to power the oven of his family's bakery. On other days he would help his mother grind up chicken and fish and help her sell it on the streets.

He didn't play football on 4G astroturf pitches or swish indoor facilities but on muddy, stony streets of his neighbourhood Congo Market and the conditions were not much better when he started playing for professional clubs. But the 6'5 centre-back stood out as a diamond in the rough and has an exciting future mapped out for him.

He became the first player from Sierra Leone to play in La Liga after a bright if short-lived spell with Real Valladolid and is now plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Lens. But bigger things await after he signed for City in January, sparking a bitter feud between the Premier League champions and the Spanish side, who were left feeling sore after losing one of the hottest young centre-backs in the game.

GOAL profiles the dough boy turned dominating defender who is hoping to impose himself on Pep Guardiola's backline…

Where it all began

Juma Bah grew up in Sierra Leone's capital of Freetown and from a young age he learned the value of hard work, helping his father Abdul Karim in his bakery and his mother in the kitchen. "At 4am I carried wood, because my father usually bakes early in the morning," "I would say he has the best bread in the world. I used to carry the bread to people's shops. My mum used to sell chicken balls on the street. I would usually help pound the meat and after she took it to sell to people. I'm really happy to help my family."

When he wasn't working or at school, Bah would be playing football on the street, often with boys bigger and older than him. Local agent Chernor Musa Jalloh first noticed him when he was playing for local club Giant Freetown Academy against AIK Freetong on a dusty and rocky pitch. Jalloh was impressed by his size, movement, control and passing, which reminded him of Paul Pogba.

He told AIK Freetong to sign him up the very next day and a deal was completed in April 2021, just before his 15th birthday. Bah did not spend long at Freetong as he was loaned out to Freetonian SLIFA in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

AdvertisementGettyThe big break

After two years in his country's top flight Bah came to the attention of Real Valladolid when Patrick Mork, a colleague of Jalloh's, recommended him to the Spanish club's chief scout Pachu Martinez. Juma ran into problems just after learning of Valladolid's interest in signing him as he had trouble securing a visa in the Spanish embassy. However, a security guard at the embassy, who happened to be from Valladolid and a supporter of the club, helped him solve the problems and Bah signed for the La Liga outfit on loan in August 2024.

Bah was initially placed in the club's B team given his age. But he played just one game and six days later he was drafted into the first team and thrusted into the starting line-up against Real Sociedad. He helped his side earn a creditable goalless draw, although he had to be substituted late on after succumbing to muscle cramp.

Then-coach Paulo Pezzolano sang his praises after the game. He said: "He had a spectacular debut and I'm very happy. He's a boy who has been training with us for the last two weeks and who we've been watching closely. I saw that he was ready and that it was the right moment for him and we needed support in this area."

Bah also has fond memories of his debut, which his mother Umu watched back in Sierra Leone with the extended family. He told the : "It was amazing, the best day for me. I was so emotional in the dressing room and then the board came up [saying] I was going to start. When I went out I saw a lot of people in the stadium. I'd never seen this crowd before. I would always tell my mum that one day I was going to make her proud. Her watching me on the TV when I play was a blessing."

Bah went on to start 10 of Valladolid's next 12 games until his unexpected and controversial departure to City. Valladolid struggled and conceded 25 goals in those games, earning 11 points. As well as his debut against Real Sociedad, Bah stood out in a 1-0 win against Valencia. He was named Player of the Match and preserved all three points for his side by clearing a shot off the line deep in added time. But Bah's real impact can be seen in Valladolid's fortunes since he departed: they have taken just one point in seven games while conceding 23 goals.

How it's going

Bah's dream start to life with Valladolid came to a sudden and acrimonious end when, five days after playing in a 2-1 defeat at Espanyol, the player turned up at the headquarters of La Liga in Madrid and deposited his €6m (£5m/£6.5m) release clause to allow him to leave the Spanish club and join City permanently. Valladolid, who said they had moved to sign him permanently on January 1, were furious with the manner of his departure.

"The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid, who welcomed Juma Bah with open arms and gave him the opportunity of a lifetime," read a statement from the club which also threatened legal action against City. The Premier League side, however, have not heard any more developments about the legal action and are not expecting there to be any as they consider the deal to be no different to previous transfers from Spanish clubs.

Bah was immediately loaned to Lens, who had just sold Abdukodir Khusanov to City, although the deal was unrelated to the £34m ($44m) move for the Uzbekistan international. He has made three appearances for Lens in Ligue 1 and completed 90 minutes in their surprise 1-0 win at Marseille last week, helping shut down Mason Greenwood when he came off the bench in the second half.

Getty Biggest strengths

Bah is a perfect height for a centre-back, measuring at 6'5, making him the same stature as Virgil van Dijk and marginally taller than Erling Haaland. He has considerable strength too, frequently out-muscling opponents.

Sierra Leone manager Mohamed Kallon highlighted his technical ability over his physical attributes. "Technically, he's a really good player," Kallon told . "He can secure and protect the ball, and [he has] a good passing range. He can duel very well, dribble in tight spaces and can construct the game. That's the main qualities of a central defender."

Bah's agent Mork told Spanish news agency : "He's special, a very complete centre-back. He's big, with a fantastic physique, he's good at passing, he's quick and he has a good mentality. He's a jewel with many qualities."

Bah displayed his array of qualities in his recent performance for Lens against Marseille: he made 12 clearances, five ball recoveries and won two out of three tackles attempted. He was also a big presence in aerial duels and showed real confidence on the ball, calmly dribbling and protecting it in the face of pressure from two or more opponents before finding a team-mate and keeping possession.

The series, starting June 9, will be key in a T20 World Cup year

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Apr-2022Delhi will host the opening match of the five-T20I series against South Africa starting June 9, the BCCI announced on Saturday. The other four cities to play hosts are Cuttack, Visakhapatnam, Rajkot and Bengaluru. The final T20I will be played on June 19.The series – key from the point of view of the men’s T20 World Cup, to be played in Australia in November – will start not long after the final of the IPL, which is scheduled for May 29.South Africa in India

June 9 – 1st T20I, Delhi
June 12 – 2nd T20I, Cuttack
June 14 – 3rd T20I, Visakhapatnam
June 17 – 4th T20I, Rajkot
June 19 – 5th T20I, Bengaluru

South Africa last toured India for a short ODI series in March 2020, but after the first match of that series, in Dharamsala, was washed out without a ball bowled, the rest of the series was called off following the outbreak of Covid-19.The two teams last played a T20I series in September 2019, when South Africa toured India for three T20Is and three Tests. Late last year, India had toured South Africa for three Tests and three ODIs, and lost both series.All of India’s T20I regulars, with the exception of the injured Deepak Chahar, are a part of the ongoing IPL, while there are a bunch of South Africa’s premier cricketers in the mix, namely Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, who is still on his path to recovery following an injury that kept him out of action from the end of the T20 World Cup late last year till his comeback match, for Delhi Capitals, on April 7.

Elite Premier League rivals Liverpool and Man City are now both eyeing up a move for one of Enzo Maresca’s top Chelsea stars, with the Stamford Bridge side making their stance crystal clear to the two teams.

Most likely players to leave Chelsea in January or next summer

There are a few very likely outgoings to take into consideration as we approach both January and next summer, with left-back Ben Chilwell, midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei all appearing favourites to quit Chelsea in 2025.

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The ex-Man City gem is fast becoming a Premier League superstar.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 11, 2024

Chilwell, on a reported £200,000-per-week in west London, is firmly out of Maresca’s long-term plans – featuring over just 45 minutes in all competitions this season – which came during their 5-1 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

Barring a truly sensational turnaround for the Englishman, it has been widely reported that Chelsea are ready to sell Chilwell as early as January, with reliable media sources claiming that BlueCo want suitors to come forward and put in offers for him.

Chilwell is believed to be a man in demand ahead of the winter window, and the same can actually be said of Chukwuemeka.

Brentford (home)

December 15

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

Crystal Palace (away)

January 4

The 20-year-old, who’s also been handed precious few chances to impress under Maresca this season, is believed to be on the radar of both AC Milan and Barcelona – while West Ham and Crystal Palace have been named as potential landing spots for Chukwuemeka as well.

We’re nearly at the midway point of December, so reports of pre-January negotiations are beginning to heat up. This is certainly the case for Casadei, as the Italian press is now claiming that Monza are in fast-moving talks to sign the midfielder and want him by January 2 (La Gazzetta dello Sport).

There are some rumours that Chelsea could also look to offload Disasi to make room for a new centre-back, which comes amid claims that signing a new central defender is seen as a transfer priority by BlueCo.

Liverpool and Man City now eyeing Chelsea star Malo Gusto

One player who is very unlikely to leave anytime soon, though, is fan-favourite defender Malo Gusto.

The right-back has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most “superb” stars over the last two seasons, as per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, who also writes that both Liverpool and Man City are now eyeing a move for Gusto.

The elite duo are looking at long-term replacements for Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold respectively, if either player were to depart.

Maresca, despite calling Gusto a “top” player for his age, wants the Frenchman to improve his attacking output behind the scenes. However, those within the club apparently “love” Gusto – and their stance is that the 21-year-old is absolutely not for sale.

Chelsea view the former Lyon starlet as a key member of their long-term project, so both Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot may have to look elsewhere for alternative full-backs.

Both batters have scored unbeaten centuries, and added a record 253 for the sixth wicket after coming together at 24 for 5

Andrew Fidel Fernando23-May-2022Stumps In the first 50 minutes in Mirpur, Sri Lanka’s two seamers tore Bangladesh’s top order down, the scoreline reading 24 for 5 inside seven overs. But the recovery was just as epic. Mushfiqur Rahim – fresh from a hundred in Chattogram – progressed masterfully to a ninth Test century. Litton Das, more aggressive than his senior partner, strode to a hundred of his own. At stumps, the pair had put on 253 unbeaten runs together, and set Bangladesh on track for an imposing total.Bangladesh, who seemed to have suffered a series-defining collapse at the start of the day, had dug incredibly deep to finish the day perhaps the happier outfit. There was only one further recognised batter to come for them, but it was clear that the pitch was now flat, and that Sri Lanka’s spinners posed little threat.Despite their rollicking start, it was ultimately a day of toil for Sri Lanka’s attack. The scoring rate having increased through the day, Bangladesh were going at 3.25 an over by stumps.There was not a lot in the surface beyond the early overs, during which Kasun Rajitha claimed three wickets and Asitha Fernando two, but Sri Lanka’s spinners were nevertheless modest, and at times bowled too many short deliveries.For most of the day, Litton was more adventurous than Mushfiqur. Never was this more clear than when Sri Lanka’s seamers bowled bouncers at Litton just after lunch. He rarely shied away from using the pull shot, even with the leg trap set. Fernando should have had Litton caught for 47, when a top-edged pull floated out behind square on the leg side. But Kamindu Mendis – the substitute fielder – could not get his hands around the descending ball, having run back from backward square-leg. This was the only real chance either batter offered, though.Even from early in the innings, Litton was severe on errors of length, particularly when Sri Lanka’s bowlers pitched short. He punished Ramesh Mendis through the leg side twice in his first over, and continued to prosper in that region. Of his 16 boundaries, 13 came in the arc between fine leg and wide long-on. Thanks partly to Sri Lanka’s indiscretions, Litton raced through the 80s and 90s, to his second Test hundred; he collected three fours and five overthrows to move from 79 to 101 in the space of 13 balls. The runs continued to flow after he got to triple figures. Litton finished the day on 135 off 221.Mushfiqur’s innings was steadier. He rode his form through the early stages, hitting two fours off his first eight balls, before settling into a rhythm as the morning and afternoon sessions wore on. He was largely content to wait for the bad balls, which Sri Lanka’s spinners – in particular – delivered with some frequency. Mostly, they bowled too full to Mushfiqur, and he would step out to hit them through the off side, while picking up singles square on either side of the wicket in between.Kasun Rajitha struck on the second ball of the match, removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy, before picking up two more wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesWhere Litton had been intent to take on the short-pitched bowling Sri Lanka’s seamers bowled through the middle session, Mushfiqur was largely content to duck or weave. He got to his 27th half-century with a cover-driven four off Praveen Jayawickrama, off the 112th ball he faced, and continued to progress serenely after that, rarely missing out on the obvious scoring opportunities, but also slowing down when the opposition bowled well at him, as they did just before tea.The runs came quickly for him as well in the third session, Sri Lanka’s bowlers clearly having been worn down by the pair, and by the heat. About halfway through the session, Mushfiqur poked one square of the wicket on the off side and completed his century – his third against Sri Lanka, who going by the stats are his favourite opposition. The second new ball, taken after 81.3 overs, did not trouble either batter much.Despite their eventual toil, Sri Lanka’s quicks started brilliantly. Rajitha was the more impressive of the two bowlers, and had set the morning’s collapse in motion with the second ball of the match.Bowling from wide of the crease, he got the ball to straighten slightly off the pitch, and whizz between the bat and pad of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, whose off stump was flattened. Rajitha would also get two left-handers off successive balls with roughly this strategy, only from around the wicket. In the seventh over of the innings, he tempted Najmul Hossain Shanto into a big drive, and took down his off stump as well. Next ball, he angled one into the pads of Shakib Al Hasan, who played around it and was given out lbw – a decision that was upheld upon review.Fernando’s wickets, meanwhile, did not follow so close a pattern. He skidded one at Tamim Iqbal in the second over, and the batter sent a leading edge to point, where Jayawickrama took a good diving catch. Tamim had been looking to whip that ball to the leg side.Bangladesh’s struggling captain Mominul Haque was Fernando’s next victim. Poking at a length ball outside off, Mominul sent a thin edge to the wicketkeeper, and was out for nine. This was his sixth consecutive single-figure score, and the seventh in eight innings.In the end, Rajitha’s were the day’s only good figures – he finished with 3 for 43 from 19 overs. Fernando had 2 for 80 from 17 – his short-ball bursts having proved expensive, though he did create that chance off Litton. The spinners were a disappointment, but then the pitch had not yet begun to take any serious turn. Sri Lanka will hope that if Ramesh and Jayawickrama cannot be immediately penetrative on day two, that they will at least be economical.

The Premier League has watched in envy as Cole Palmer’s career shot to stratospheric heights with Chelsea, signing in 2023 after being discarded by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Things could be very, very different, had the four-in-a-row English champions kept onto one of the biggest talents in world football. Liverpool, most likely, would be embroiled in another draining title fight with the indomitable Citizens.

As it happens, the Reds have placed themselves into the driving seat in the 2024/25 title race, while City have fallen away in a dramatic decline. Arne Slot’s side are thriving, but there’s no question that improvements could be made down Anfield Road.

Were Liverpool to boast their own version of Palmer, who is supercharging Chelsea’s surprise season, they might just hit another, higher, invincible level.

Liverpool transfer news

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are leading the race for River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, and that’s despite Real Madrid being firmly in the picture too.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has been riding the crest of a wave in his homeland and has also tempted Arsenal and Chelsea, but it is the Merseyside outfit who are in the driving seat.

The Argentinian giants would be looking for €50m (£41m) to part ways with their prized possession, and while this is a significant figure for an unknown commodity, Liverpool must recognise the value in signing one of the biggest talents in South American football.

What Mastantuono would bring to Liverpool

He may only be 17, but Mastantuono has already demonstrated significant potential. River Plate is well regarded across the globe for its production line, with Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez both hailing from the Belgrano neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires.

Given that he’s an Argentine attacking midfielder, comparisons to the great Lionel Messi are obviously floating around, but a deeper analytical dive would suggest that he is of a different mould.

While it’s true that Matantuono is distinguishable by his elite-level technical quality, he channels his talents down playmaking avenues to a degree that differentiates him from someone like Messi, who was an unstoppable ball carrier throughout the early stages of his career, and indeed to the present day, even with his pace having receded.

That’s not to say he doesn’t use his skills in a similar manner, as you can see from his incredible free-kick for River Plate earlier in 2024 when he was still only 16.

Having posted only three goals and three assists across 41 professional appearances, there’s no question that he has much to work on, but Mastantuono has demonstrated amply his perfect style for Premier League football.

After all, he’s considered to have stylistic similarities to Chelsea’s Palmer, and when considering the remarkable impact the England international has had since joining the Blues in a £42.5m deal, Liverpool would be wise to complete this move and create their own version.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best playmakers in world football and the 32-year-old Mohamed Salah has adjusted his game to promote greater creative output as his athletic qualities regress, but Liverpool could certainly do with more of this from the middle of the park.

Palmer, for example, provides this for Chelsea and then some, joint-second in the Premier League this season for big chances created (12).

Analysts such as Ben Mattinson have picked up on the similarities between the Three Lions man and the fledgling Mastantuono – who is in the “Olise/Palmer mould” – having detailed that he would be the perfect addition to ‘balance’ Real Madrid’s superstar-packed attack.

But Liverpool too could benefit from this, with his high-level passing game something that might be tailor-made for Slot’s system – and it’s a system built to last at Anfield.

Goals scored

0.15

0.80

Assists

0.23

0.42

Shots taken

3.82

3.77

Shot-creating actions

6.18

5.91

Passes attempted

54.58

44.09

Progressive passes

6.49

6.44

Progressive carries

3.44

3.86

Successful take-ons

3.59

1.66

Ball recoveries

5.73

3.27

Tackles

2.37

0.71

While the Argentina youth has yet to reach Palmer’s clinical levels, this is hardly to his detriment. Looking at the underlying data, however, does present a rather curious trend that advertises not only the teenager’s ball-playing ability but also his athleticism and defensive work rate.

He is a fierce tackler, combative and determined, and this underpins the attractive fabric of his style with firm nails. Goals and assists will come, to be sure, but there’s actually a suggestion here that Liverpool could get their mitts on a more varied and complete version of Palmer.

He’s nifty and tricky, no doubt, but Mastantuono is also everything that you’d want in a number ten, and more. Slot’s Liverpool set-up demands creativity but it is also an industrious thing and requires plenty of running and tenacity – just look at Dominik Szoboszlai and his importance, even though he’s not the most potent player on the block.

At his core, though, Mastantuono is one of the most technically gifted gems around, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as “one of the most enjoyable youngsters to watch in world football.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Whether FSG would be willing to play to the tune of £41m is open to question, but there’s no doubt that he’s got an extremely high ceiling, and wouldn’t it be nice to beat the likes of Los Blancos to his touted signature?

Liverpool struck gold selling star who was "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool managed to hit the jackpot with one of their ageing stars under Jurgen Klopp.

ByBen Gray Dec 17, 2024

With rumours of a €1bn Saudi offer circulating, Real Madrid have earmarked Florian Wirtz and Nico Williams as possible replacements for Vinicius Jr.

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Reports suggest Brazilian superstar wants a pay riseFlorentino Perez unlikely to budge on wage structureIf Vini leaves, Williams and Wirtz will be top targetsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report by SPORT, the Brazilian winger intends to ask for a pay rise. He is currently one of Los Blancos' highest-paid stars, and is on the same terms as fellow superstars Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Under contract until 2027, Vinicus wants to extend his deal until 2029, in return for a substantial hike in his wages.

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It's unlikely that Florentino Pérez will cave to his demands, despite wanting the player to stay at the club. Rumours of a €1 billion (£840m) offer from Saudi Arabia will likely intensify. Real Madrid would consider a transfer fee in excess of €250m (£209m/$273m). If Vinicius forces the club's hand, it is believed they will pursue the services of Wirtz or Williams.

DID YOU KNOW?

Vini Jr. has continued to excel for Real Madrid. The 24-year-old has contributed 18 goals and 11 assists in his 39 appearances for Los Blancos this season.

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR?

Vinicius Jr.'s attention turns to international duty, as Brazil take on Colombia in a World Cup qualifier later this evening. The Seleção face against their oldest rival, Argentina, on the 25th March.

Chelsea are actively exploring a January move for one Premier League star who they seriously admire, with Enzo Maresca’s side looking to shore up a key position when the window officially opens tomorrow.

Chelsea suffer dip in Premier League form ahead of January

The west Londoners have suffered a slight dip in form over the last week and a half, dropping points at relegation-threatened Everton, tasting defeat at home to cross-town rivals Fulham and most recently losing 2-0 away to lowly Ipswich Town.

£130k-per-week Chelsea ace wanted by manager and could leave on loan

Stamford Bridge exits are beckoning next month.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 28, 2024

Goals from Chelsea transfer target Liam Delap and former player Omari Hutchison cemented what was an afternoon to forget for Maresca at Portmand Road, with the Blues slipping down to fourth and losing serious ground in the Premier League title race.

Maresca has always been adamant that Chelsea are not title-contenders this season, but supporters would’ve held some hope given their imperious form before December 22.

Crystal Palace (away)

January 4

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (home)

February 3

“We expected this kind of moment during the season because we know that this kind of moment belongs to the football,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s defeat to Ipswich.

“It is almost impossible to have a season where you do not have a moment like now for us. But in the same time, not one of us in this room expected us to be where we are now. This means and shows that we are in the right direction, as I’ve said many times, but also shows that we are far from competing and consistency and to be there with the best teams in England.

“Again, I think we have to be satisfied where we are, but at the same time, we have to know we need to do many things better.”

With January right around the corner, it is a chance for Maresca to plug potential holes in the squad, and the club are reliably believed to be chasing a new centre-back.

Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked with a January exit, with Chelsea also considering Axel Disasi’s sale next month. So, it could be a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea exploring January move for Bournemouth defender Illia Zarbarnyi

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, they could even bring in a central defender regardless of sales, and they have their eyes on Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.

The Ukraine international has impressed under Andoni Iraola this campaign, with Chelsea thought to “really like” Zabarnyi as they explore a January move for him.

They also like his teammate, Dean Huijsen, but getting either one of them through the door next month will prove to be tricky. Zabarnyi’s rumoured price tag is around £50 million, but Phillips writes that Chelsea are expected to make a January approach at the very least if they’re given reason to believe he could be available.

As things stand, a centre-back is seen as the most likely incoming at Chelsea next month, and other positions like a new striker may have to wait until next summer.

Ruben Amorim has admitted he "will not have the time" to fix Manchester United after their latest Premier League defeat away at Nottingham Forest.

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Elanga strike sank Man Utd at City GroundIt was their 13th PL defeat of the seasonAmorim believes he is on borrowed timeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

United suffered yet another setback in what has been a dismal season on Tuesday, with Anthony Elanga’s early strike proving enough for Forest to secure a deserved victory at the City Ground. The result left United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, further increasing scrutiny on Amorim’s tenure.

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Tuesday’s loss marked United’s 13th league defeat of the season, putting them just one short of their worst-ever tally in a single Premier League campaign (14). This has put Amorim's tactical blueprint under the spotlight, and the Portuguese manager believes that he might be on borrowed time at Old Trafford.

WHAT AMORIM SAID

"In Manchester United, you don't have the time," Amorim said to reporters after the game. "I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast.

"In here, the pressure is too big sometimes. We start the game suffering a goal and put Nottingham in the place they want to be — defending with lots of men — then they have really fast players to make transitions. Even with that, we controlled the game quite well, especially in the second half. We push forward but again, in the final third, we were not good enough."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Amorim will need to find quick solutions to address the team’s ongoing struggles, as the season threatens to spiral even further out of control. Moreover, the pressure is unlikely to ease as United prepare for a massive derby clash against Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend.