All posts by n8rngtd.top

Jisheng Gao has seemingly been handed a huge boost at Southampton this week, as Bayern Munich have appointed Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, a move which should see Ralph Hasenhuttl remain at St Mary’s.

The Austrian had been touted as a potential replacement for Hans-Dieter Flick at the Allianz Arena, after he announced that he wanted to leave the Bundesliga side following their Champions League exit against PSG.

Although Southampton have struggled in the second half of this season, Hasenhuttl has won a lot of plaudits for the way in which his side plays, whilst he has also impressed in the Bundesliga in the past with RB Leipzig, so could definitely have been an attractive option for Die Roten.

Saints fans were clearly behind Hasenhuttl in the summer after a superb end to last season which saw them comfortably avoid relegation, with a poll run by The Athletic revealing that they had the most optimistic fans ahead of the new season.

The South Coast club were able to continue that fine run of form into the new campaign and they topped the Premier League table for the first time in their history after recording a 2-0 win against Newcastle United back in November.

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He earned a lot of praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola earlier in the season, with the Spanish manager suggesting that he is an “exceptional manager”.

Unfortunately, the Saints have capitulated since the turn of the year, although injury problems and a serious lack of squad depth have certainly played their part.

Hasenhuttl has promised a rebuild this summer and there is no major reason why the Saints can’t push on next season should he be backed in the transfer window.

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Therefore, it is a big relief for Gao and Southampton fans that Bayern Munich are appointing RB Leipzig boss Nagelsmann, as if they had made an approach for Hasenhuttl, surely the opportunity to manage the current Champions League holders would have been too good for him to turn down.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Vestergaard: Semmens should seal Saints swoop for £4.5m-rated beast 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Keith Gillespie has hailed Sergio Aguero as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever strikers.

Aguero, whose currently fourth on the all-time goalscoring list with 181 goals, recently confirmed that he’ll be leaving City at the end of the season following a decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Aguero is also City’s all-time top goalscorer in the club’s history – with his most famous strike coming in stoppage-time against QPR in 2012 which saw City claim their first league title for almost half a century.

The former Atletico Madrid frontman has missed large spells of this season with different injuries and COVID-19 issues, scoring just three times in 15 outings, but remains on course to add to his 10 major trophies during his decade with City.

But how does the Argentine rank in terms of previous greats such as Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer? Gillespie told Football FanCast that he’s right up there.

“Without a doubt. He’s in the list with those other ones. Everyone will have those opinions about whose the best.

“You look at Alan Shearer, the amount of goals that he scored, then you look at Thierry Henry, different type of player but scored a lot of goals, Rooney as well.

“It’s so difficult because we’ve seen so many different strikers in the Premier League.”

Despite all of his records and achievements, Aguero was remarkably never named as PFA Players’ Player of the Year, but will be remembered as one of the best strikers to ever grace the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to right their midweek wrongs when they return to Premier League action this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side head to the Midlands to face an Aston Villa side who are just one place behind them in the standings ahead of kickoff.

The north London giants embarrassingly crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday night, so now a desperate push for the top four is required if Spurs are to get back into the Champions League.

But tonight’s encounter is no mean feat, and Mourinho has plenty to ponder…

On the Chalkboard

Individual defensive mistakes were once again the root cause of much of Spurs’ woes, so the Portuguese boss ought to make some changes to his backline, especially as Villa now have a prolific option in Ollie Watkins.

Mourinho was reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old as a back-up to Harry Kane during the summer window, but he was always playing a losing game – firstly, no one wants to be a second choice, and secondly, he cost a whopping £33m with add-ons.

But boy, has that transfer paid off for Dean Smith. Watkins has bagged 12 times in all competitions this season, including a hat-trick against Liverpool and a brace against arch-rivals, Arsenal. Clearly, the “lethal” talisman likes to turn up for the big occasion.

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Given the number of issues Spurs have had at the back, it seems like a recipe for disaster if Mourinho were to start both Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier – the pair were dubbed the worst partnership in the league by ex-Spurs midfielder and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara.

On the latter, he added: “As a centre-half, he just looks lost around the box. In my opinion, he needs to be dropped.”

And we’re inclined to agree. As we outlined after the Europa League game, the long-serving star badly let down the fanbase. Evening Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick claimed the 27-year-old endured a ‘wretched’ night, claiming: ‘Defensively all over the shop and passing was poor. Gave away silly fouls.’

Watkins averages 2.8 shots per game and is fouled an average of 1.3 times per outing too, via WhoScored. So based on his midweek display, £85k-per-week Dier has no place to be starting as he’ll get torn apart, especially as he has only managed 0.8 tackles per match, too.

Another key ability of Watkins is his pace and acceleration, something that isn’t on Dier’s side either – speaking to Football Insider this week, pundit Alan Hutton claimed the Spurs centre-back “gets exposed at times with a lack of pace.”

Often lambasted as a “liability” amongst the fanbase, the £26m-rated calamity should be axed from Mourinho’s starting XI tonight. If he starts, he could well be haunted by Watkins all night, and then the pressure will only mount on the likes of Harry Kane and Gareth Bale to deliver.

AND in other news, Levy’s genius: Spurs struck dream deal over £45m-rated gem dubbed “phenomenal” by Gold…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sergio Aguero could join Marcelo Bielsa’s side in what would be an astonishing summer move.

The Manchester City striker is set to leave the Etihad at the end of the season when his contract expires and, according to 90min, Leeds are keen on bringing him to Elland Road.

The same outlet reports that Chelsea are also interested in signing Aguero, meaning the Whites could face some serious competition for the 32-year-old’s signature.

Palmer, however, still thinks Aguero to Leeds is a possibility, though he believes the Argentina international’s wages could be a potential stumbling block.

On the rumours that Leeds could move for Aguero in the summer, the ex-Whites player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I was thinking about this today; it could be a possibility because Sergio wouldn’t have to move – obviously he lives in Manchester. I think at Sergio’s age, he wouldn’t want to go anywhere and be a bit-part.

“So, you know, when they’re talking about top clubs like Chelsea and whatever, if he’s not guaranteed of playing every week, which I think he’s going to fall into that category now with his injuries and with his age, Leeds could be a good shout. The problem that would be, I would assume, would be his salary.”

Outside of England, Aguero, who managed to score 23 goals in all competitions last season, is said to be attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Joe Rodon will return to Tottenham Hotspur this week a hero.

The 23-year-old defender made quite the statement for Wales in their World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

Rob Page’s side looked poised to throw away all three points in an agonising way but the Spurs colossus was in the right place at the right time to snuff out the danger, putting in a last-ditch and fearless block to deny the visitors at the Cardiff City Stadium.

It was not only brave but intelligent too as Rodon made ground to put his 6 foot 4 frame in between Ondrej Celustka and Danny Ward in front of the sticks. His monstrous lunge denied a very likely goal.

That one moment late in the game capped off an impressive night for the Spurs gem.

During the commentary, former Wales defender Danny Gabidon dubbed it a “match-winning block” and claimed it was “unbelievable defending” from Rodon (via Wales Online), whilst another ex-international James Collins said it was “incredible,” adding: “Me as an old, rugged centre-back, I love to see stuff like this. All the centre forwards over the years getting the plaudits for their goals, but this is as good as a goal,” he said on Sky Sports (30/3, 21:51).

In what was his 12th senior cap for the Welsh side, Rodon arguably picked up the ‘Man of the Match’ award too.

As per SofaScore, he also managed a match-high seven clearances and recorded the second-highest touches (50) for the home outfit, meaning he was more involved in the game than the likes of Spurs teammate Gareth Bale (31) and the goal-scorer Dan James (33).

Rodon has now played more times for Wales than he has all season for Spurs. After joining for what now seems like a bargain £11m from Swansea City, the defender has only featured in ten matches in all competitions.

Missing out on the Europa League squad registration earlier in the campaign has certainly hindered his game time but after this latest international display, he’s certainly sent a huge message to Jose Mourinho that he should be starting more.

His most recent start before the break – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa – saw him excel in the absence of Toby Alderweireld, so the Spurs boss now must carefully consider who he selects this weekend, with them due to return to action on Sunday afternoon against a struggling Newcastle United side.

You’d imagine after that big display, it would be a hard call to axe Rodon from the starting XI.

It’s time to let Spurs’ future finish out the season as a first-choice.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kane: Levy must sanction £36m swoop for “remarkable” beast…

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s baffled as to why Ezri Konsa wasn’t named in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.

Konsa, whose won seven caps for the Under-21s, has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders since lockdown, but wasn’t included in Southgate’s 26-man party for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.

His Villa teammate Tyrone Mings was selected, along with Harry Maguire, John Stones, Conor Coady and Tottenham’s Eric Dier as England centre-backs.

Konsa has started all but three of Aston Villa’s 28 Premier League matches this season, and Hendrie, who was capped once against Czech Republic in 1998, cannot believe that the 23-year-old was overlooked.

Hendrie told Football FanCast: “Konsa has been excellent. The times that Mings hasn’t performed, Konsa has been an outstanding defender.

“Do I feel like he was due to get an England call-up? I feel like the squad that was selected, I totally do. He’s the kind of defender that puts his body on the line.

“And I feel why he wasn’t in the current England squad, I am a bit baffled. He has been possibly one of the top performers over recent weeks, so why shouldn’t he be granted a chance of being involved with the England set-up.

“If you’re comparing him to [Eric] Dier, I think Konsa has been far better.”

This does feel like a case of big team favouritism. Konsa has been outstanding this term, whilst Dier has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, making a host of errors, which has led to him being dropped by Jose Mourinho.

If Konsa keeps performing at his current level, surely Southgate won’t continue to ignore him ahead of the Euro’s.

According to the Daily Star, Tottenham are interested in signing Yves Bissouma from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton.

Spurs eye Bissouma

Spurs are among a number of clubs interested in the 24-year-old, with Arsenal, West Ham and Everton also mentioned as potential suitors.

The Gunners are believed to be confident in getting a deal done for the £15.3m-valued Mali international (Transfermarkt), with the Seagulls demanding £30m for his signature.

Interesting option

Bissouma has been a key player for Brighton this season, playing in all but two of their 34 Premier League matches to date (Transfermarkt). Given the interest from other clubs, it is clear he has plenty of talent and could have a big future in the game.

The former Lille man is an all-round midfielder. For example, he has managed more tackles per game (2.8) than Tottenham enforcer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.6) this season, while he has also averaged more dribbles per match (1.5) than Son Heung-Min (1.2).

With him in the middle of the park, Spurs would have a real driving force. If Daniel Levy were able to beat Arsenal to his signature, that would make his signing all the sweeter.

In other news, this Champions League winner is interested in managing Tottenham.

Carlo Ancelotti must immediately usher Dominic Calvert-Lewin back into the Everton starting line-up for Friday night’s trip to Arsenal.

The Toffees boss has confirmed that Calvert-Lewin will be available for selection at the Emirates Stadium after recovering from an abductor problem, in a quintuple injury boost.

Calvert-Lewin’s issue had kept the 24-year-old out of his side’s last two Premier League games, as the Goodison Park natives were held to draws with Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.

Everton are set to be with Yerry Mina at Arsenal, as well, after a similar abductor problem, while Andre Gomes (hamstring), Fabian Delph (tendon) and Bernard are also due to return after spells on the sidelines.

Ancelotti will still be without Abdoulaye Doucoure in north London as the Frenchman continues his recovery from a small fracture on his foot, while Jean-Philippe Gbamin remains out alongside the £20m summer signing due to the knee injury he sustained in training earlier this month.

“We have a lot of players available – almost all the squad, apart from Doucoure and Gbamin who are out,” the Blues boss said on Thursday. “The others are in good condition.

“We are ready to fight for this final part of the season. The squad is now much, much better and I have a lot of options, so I am pleased and confident.”

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Everton travel to Arsenal three points better off than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League table and having played a game less, but are without a win in any of their last five league games.

The Toffees also last beat the Gunners in north London in January 1996, losing 22 of the following 26 encounters across all competitions including each of their last seven visits.

Ancelotti will no doubt be loath to see his side’s torrid record continue having already brought one lengthy drought to an end, by orchestrating Everton’s first win at Anfield since 1999 when they beat Liverpool 2-0 in February’s Merseyside derby.

Clinching a first Everton win at the Emirates would catapult the Blues back into the European conversation, as well, with the Goodison Park natives losing ground in the race for the top-four after three-straight draws.

Everton cannot overtake any side by winning their game in hand, but will move one point behind Tottenham – who have played two games more – and Liverpool by beating Arsenal, while edging to within a win of fifth-placed West Ham United.

Calvert-Lewin represents Everton’s best chance of a rare result away to the Gunners, with the 24-year-old not only their top-scorer with 14 goals in 25 Premier League games but also key to how Ancelotti’s offence operates.

Everton are rarely the same unit going forward without having Calvert-Lewin to target and his off-the-ball runs, which create space for Richarlison to push up the pitch and James Rodriguez to find pockets of space to pick out defence-splitting passes.

Ancelotti, then, must instantly unleash Calvert-Lewin – who Noel Whelan believes has “exceeded every expectation possible” this season – now that he has been declared fit, in a huge boost for the Blues’ European ambitions, let alone being one of five returning players.

AND in other news, Everton have been told to pay £34.5m for a 23-year-old that Carlo Ancelotti would welcome at Goodison Park…

Many Everton fans have been left to laud a transfer update by Paul Joyce on Max Aarons.

Writing in his latest piece for The Times, the football journalist has claimed that the Goodison Park faithful have ‘identified’ the Norwich City ace as a potential option at right-back in the summer window and will look to ‘haggle down’ his £30m asking price.

Aarons is reportedly ‘keen’ on moving to Merseyside, but the Canaries are not budging on their valuation for a player who still has three years left on his current deal at Carrow Road remaining.

With Seamus Coleman at 32 years of age now, Carlo Ancelotti’s team certainly need to think about finding a long-term replacement for the Republic of Ireland international, and at 21 years old and clearly with a lot of potential, Aarons could well fit the bill for the Toffees.

Everton fans on Joyce’s Aarons transfer update

These Blues lauded the transfer update on Aarons on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that the England U21 international would be a ‘perfect’ replacement for Coleman:

“Fans “identified” Max Aarons more than a year ago. Get it done @Everton”

Credit: @toffeejones

“Yippeeeee”

Credit: @EkoRifky

“Yes please”

Credit: @Reservoirfrogs_

“Be a boss signing that”

Credit: @joshuanorman97

“Perfect Coleman replacement and it seems that Aarons is interested in coming”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

“This is very much needed”
Credit: @jacnnor
In other news, find out what Fabrizio Romano transfer update Toffees have flocked to here!

Kevin Campbell has claimed that Everton will pursue a deal for Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Goodison News, the former Toffees striker claimed that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the club were to try and sign the AC Milan ace given that Moise Kean could be sold and Ellis Simms is still inexperienced at senior level.

Everton should sign Leao

The Toffees should seriously consider trying to sign Leao in the summer if Milan make him available fpr sale.

The 21-year-old is certainly a rising talent and has previously been compared to both Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

To merely be named in the same breath as these two is very high praise, and if he turns out nearly as good as either of them, Carlo Ancelotti’s team must snap him up first before any other clubs move in for the kill.

Leao has scored seven goals and supplied a further five assists in 34 games across all competitions so far in 2020/21 (attacking resources.

Nonetheless, the Portuguese youngster is certainly a player who Everton should strongly consider signing.

In other news, find out which Everton loanee has been slammed for his most recent performance!