All posts by h716a5.icu

It may not have been the prettiest of wins under Marcelo Bielsa, but Leeds got the job done against Barnsley on Thursday.

The Whites took another huge step towards clinching automatic promotion back to the Premier League thanks to the 1-0 win, and with the attackers struggling to really get going, it was up to the back-line to make sure the fort was held down.

And in a real captain’s performance, Liam Cooper stood firm as the away side threatened to throw a spanner in the works, producing an absolute masterclass in defending.

Is it Haaland Snr or David Hopkins? Your Leeds knowledge will be put to the test with this quiz…

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As per Sofascore, he made two tackles, two interceptions, four clearances and blocked one shot, and marshaled the back-line with supreme confidence.

And in those individual battles, the 6 foot 2 ace didn’t look fazed at all. In the 15 total duels that he contested, Cooper won an impressive 13 of them, including ten out of 12 in the air.

At a time when the race for automatic promotion is neck-and-neck between the Championship’s top three sides in Leeds, West Brom and Brentford, Marcelo Bielsa needs players to rise up to the challenge and not crumble under the pressure.

Cooper’s performance against Barnsley was of a man who had nothing but a clean sheet in mind, and led by example from the back. He looked cool, calm and composed, and whenever there was a 50/50 to be won, or a tackle to be made, he looked as dominant as ever.

Ben White may be the talk of the town, what with Leeds hoping to get a permanent deal done for the defender, but Cooper showed that Bielsa already has one colossus at his disposal too.

It wouldn’t be summer without Wilfried Zaha being linked with a move away from Crystal Palace, and predictably the Ivorian attacker has once again been linked to Everton.

The Toffees were one of the frontrunners for his signature this time 12 months ago, but the former Manchester United man stayed at Selhurst Park for another season.

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It seems as though he’s once again pushing for a move away from the London club, and Greg O’Keeffe gave the latest update on Everton’s potential move for the Palace star.

What’s been said then?

It’s bad news for any Toffees fan hoping to see the Ivorian lineup on Merseyside next season as The Athletic journalist has been told that a deal is unlikely.

“What we’ve been told is that while Everton harbour some interest, and I stress the word some there, I’m not saying that he’s a top top target, while they harbour some interest, we’ve been told at this stage that it’s unlikely that Wilfried Zaha will be an Everton player next season,” O’Keeffe said (Gwlad Tidings podcast (31/6/20 30:50).

“I think there are a range of impediments from transfer fee, to wages, to potential other interest in Zaha.”

Dodging a bullet

While Zaha is a star at Palace, he wouldn’t be Everton’s number one attacking outlet and that may not suit him all that well.

The Toffees have plenty of talent going forward, be that £50m man Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin who hit 13 league goals last term.

Zaha is the absolute focal point of Palace’s attack, and while it’s quite easy to look great when everything is centred around you, it may be a bit more difficult to shine when part of a more complete outfit, which is surely what Everton are aiming to become.

With the Ivorian supposedly valued at £80m last winter, it’s fair to say that the Merseysiders may be better off spending that sort of money on other areas of the squad.

Name: Jan Oblak

Club: Atletico Madrid

Date of Birth: 7 January 1993

Position: Goalkeeper

JAN OBLAK – HIS CAREER SO FAR

There aren’t many sports fans out there who are not familiar with the goalkeeping giant that is Jan Oblak. The current Atletico Madrid no.1 joined the Rojiblancos back in 2014/15 season and even though it seems like he’s been around for ages, the Slovenian goalie is only 27 years old. His footballing career, however, didn’t exactly begin in Spain but rather back in his home country.

As a young lad, Oblak used to ply his trade for Olimpija’s U19 squad, where he had been playing ever since he was just ten years of age. Those first years were quite turbulent as well, and with the team eventually dissolving and Oblak quickly rising through the ranks, he found a new home at Olimpija Ljubljana, where he spent a year between 2009 and 2010.

But despite the obvious talent behind the big Slovenian keeper, there were a series of tiresome steps awaiting him before he could finally settle in the Spanish capital. His big move to Benfica came in 2010 but was soon followed by various loan spells at Beira-Mar, Olhanense, Uniao de Leiria, Rio Ave and Benfica’s B team. He would, however, finally get his chance with the seniors in 2013/14, quickly impressing by keeping several clean sheets along the way as Benfica surged through Europa League with Oblak’s two clean sheets in four games, ultimately winning him the Best Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2014.

That very summer, Atletico Madrid officially confirmed his transfer and a young Oblak would pack his bags for Spain. Fast forward six years into the future and he is largely recognised as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet – if not the very best – and has amassed a total of 139 clean sheets across 256 games played for the Rojiblancos.

And seeing how Atletico Madrid had to splash around €16m (£14.4m) to land his signature, making him La Liga’s most expensive goalkeeper in the history of the competition, it was a risk that ended up paying off. Oblak would go on to win numerous individual honours along the way, including four Zamora Trophies in a row between 2015/16 and 2018/19, and quite a few Team of the Year inclusions.

Collectively, he has won one Spanish Supercup, one Europa League trophy and one UEFA Super Cup with Atletico Madrid, finishing a runner-up in the 2015/16 Champions League as well.

TRANSFER LATEST

Interestingly enough, there have been multiple transfer rumours and transfer news linking Oblak with a move away from Atletico Madrid in recent times. The latest update comes from the Evening Standard and the outlet claims the Slovenian goalie is on Chelsea’s radar.

The Blues would love to further improve their squad despite some big-name signings that had already been finalised beforehand, and Atletico Madrid’s star is one of the players they particularly like.

Oblak, however, has a contract until 2023 and it doesn’t seem likely that Diego Simeone will let him go without a fight. In fact, in some other Atletico Madrid news, Enrique Cerezo, the club’s president, has reportedly made a claim that the goalie will indeed remain in the squad.

It will be interesting to follow the latest developments as more transfer rumours start popping up.

PLAYER PROFILE

Oblak very much fits into the mould of a more traditional goalkeeper. While the modern men between the sticks are heavily involved in the build-up play of their squads, the Slovenian is largely known for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping ability. He is also not too tall for a goalkeeper, standing at 6 ft 2 in, but uses his positioning and intuition to give himself the best possible chance of a brilliant save.

As alluded to, he wouldn’t exactly be described as a sweeper-keeper since the work he’s doing with his feet is not as remarkable as his pure goalkeeping abilities. However, at the end of the day, not many others can go toe to toe with Oblak and he is surely in the conversation for the best goalkeeper on the planet.

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen is set to sign for Benfica this summer. 

The 33-year-old is expected to complete a medical on Thursday before signing a three-year deal, according to BBC Sport. The 118-cap Belgium international is closing in on a move to the Portuguese side, having left Spurs at the end of last season after eight years with the north Londoners.

Recent reports revealed that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were considering a shock move for the centre-back in the summer. The veteran had previously refused to rule out staying in the Premier League, but everything now points towards him moving to Portugal instead.

Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga last term and the 37-time Portuguese champions will enter the Champions League at the third qualifying round.

The former Spurs star is now a free agent after his eight-year spell in north London came to an end, so it is hardly surprising that he has received so much attention at home and overseas.

Vertonghen, who was a firm favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, fell afoul of his successor Jose Mourinho, as he earned his last start for the Lilywhites in July before being dropped to the bench for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite his age, the Belgian still has lots to offer, as he received the same WhoScored rating as his former Spurs teammate Davinson Sanchez in 2019/20..

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may regret letting the club’s loyal servant leave as the versatile player can play in the centre or at left-back. However, supporters should still be relieved that he has decided to move abroad rather than joining a domestic rival.

Vertonghen failed to win a single trophy at Tottenham, as he was part of the teams that lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final last year and Chelsea in the League Cup final back in 2015. However, he could have another chance to get his hands on some silverware outside of England as he enters the twilight of his career.

Tottenham fans, do you think Levy has made a mistake by letting Vertonghen leave? Let us know your views in the comments below!

After finishing the season with a victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final, the Gunners faithful will be looking forward to their first full season under Mikel Arteta, after the Spaniard was appointed as manager in December last year.

The club has already completed the signing of Willian from Chelsea, but have plenty more business to do if Arteta and the board want to climb their way back up the table to contend with the big English clubs once again.

Arsenal have reportedly found themselves with £100million to spend this summer, which will prove pivotal due to the financial implications that COVID-19 has had on the footballing world.

After a disappointing finish in the league table, missing out on both Champions League and Europa League football next season – the club will likely struggle to attract the best players in the game, but will likely do their best to bring in the most realistic players possible, so who might that be?

Gabriel Magalhães

The 22-year-old defender has been linked with a move away from Lille this summer, with Arsenal reportedly looking like the frontrunners for the Brazilian’s signature having agreed a £22 million transfer.

Central defence is an area that the club will need to strengthen, and Gabriel would be a great player to do so – in 24 league appearances, the defender has averaged 1.7 tackles, 3.3 clearances, and 3.5 aerial duels won per game.

Manchester United and Napoli were also linked with a move for the player, but it appears that Arsenal will be completing the signing soon.

Thomas Partey

It has been no secret that the Gunners are desperate to sign the Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder – but it has been reported that the player’s wage demands will be the most difficult agreement between himself and Arsenal, with Partey wanting £200,000 a week to complete the move.

His numbers warrant the price, however, with the Ghanaian midfielder averaging 2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 1.9 aerial duels won per game. The addition of Partey would be very important for the club, with both Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira being linked with moves away from the club.

Diego Carlos

Another Brazilian defender on our list is Sevilla’s Diego Carlos – with him being linked with a move to the North London club this summer. Both Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu are said to want Carlos as part of a squad overhaul, but the player will likely come at a price.

The defender’s release clause at Sevilla is £68 million, a price that is likely going to be too high for the club to meet with current financial circumstances – with both Sokratis and Calum Chambers reportedly up for sale this summer to try and raise funds. The 27-year-old has helped Sevilla reach the final of the Europa League this season, as well as a 4th place finish in La Liga.

Dani Ceballos

The Spanish midfielder was on loan at Arsenal last season, and the club is looking to try and secure another year-long loan deal for the player with Real Madrid. It has been reported, however, that Ceballos is waiting on a bid from La Liga side Real Betis before committing his future to the Gunners.

Despite being happy to return to Arsenal next season, and with Arteta likely to make him apart of his plans for next season, the midfielder is also keen on a move back to former club Betis, where he made his debut. Only time will tell on the situation with Ceballos, but the Gunners should look to try and secure his services sooner or later, as the player is likely to flourish under fellow countryman Arteta.

Philippe Coutinho

The 28-year-old has been in great form for Bayern Munich this season – the Brazilian was sent out on loan by parent club Barcelona at the start of last season despite showing signs of his quality for the club. In his 23 league games for Bayern this season, Coutinho scored 8 goals with 6 assists from attacking midfield and even scored a brace against his Barcelona in the semi-final thrashing which saw Bayern victors in an 8-2 win.

It has been reported that the Gunners are keen to bring the midfielder to the Emirates – with suggestions that the club could sign the maestro for just £9 million, plus exiled midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. Coutinho would be a great signing for Arsenal and could be just the player they need to reach the upper echelons of English football again.

Many Aston Villa fans have reacted to a report claiming that striker Mbwana Samatta has agreed terms to join Fenerbahce.

Villa manager Dean Smith saw Keinan Davis, Wesley and Samatta all struggle for consistent form last season and a fresh face has been signed in Ollie Watkins from Brentford.

Despite arriving in January for £9.45m, the 27-year-old’s future with the Claret and Blue now looks bleak, with the Midlands club opting to bring in Watkins, who netted an impressive 26 goals in the Championship last term. The ex-Bees marksman may be expected to spearhead Smith’s attack when Villa’s Premier League campaign gets underway against Sheffield United on Monday evening.

To add to Watkins’ arrival, Villa are also now being linked with Lyon striker Bertrand Traore, with a latest report claiming that a completed deal worth £19m is almost done.

Samatta, who arrived in January for £9.45m, scored just one Premier League goal during the back end of the season and it has now emerged that he could be set for a move to Turkey.

Reacting to the claim which was made by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, these Villa fans gave their opinion on the update via Twitter account @villareport:

Do you think Samatta should stay at Villa Park? Let us know in the comments section below…

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to end their arduous hunt for a new striker this week…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Spurs are set to meet with the representatives of Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik in London today in the hope of thrashing out a deal over a potential transfer this window.

They claim that several Premier League teams are interested in signing the 26-year-old and is available for a ‘bargain’ price of around €20m (£18m).

Milik no longer sees a future for himself in Naples with his club ready to sell him on before the deadline in under two weeks time.

Mou’s nightmare over?

Could we finally see a new forward in north London? Daniel Levy failed to sign a replacement for Fernando Llorente, who left for Milik’s Napoli last summer.

It very nearly cost the club everything. Harry Kane went down injured on New Year’s Day and in his absence, Jose Mourinho’s side were knocked out of both the FA Cup and the Champions League and would have been without Europe but for the season coming to a halt.

Kane returned, bagged seven goals and guided his side into the Europa League qualification stages – just.

Had there been a backup, then Mourinho wouldn’t have endured such a nightmare start to live at Spurs.

In Milik, they’re getting a 6 foot 1 colossus who has been likened to fellow Polish compatriot Robert Lewandowski but he also possesses a touch of class and genius with further comparisons to former Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, whom he was coached by at Ajax.

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has previously lauded Milik as “sensational” whilst Italian journalist Bruno Longhi believes he “does wonderful things with the ball.”

Despite only starting 19 matches in Serie A last term, the Napoli frontman still bagged 11 goals, averaging 2.6 shots per game, via WhoScored.

For just £18m, you can’t help but feel that Levy would be getting quite the steal and the perfect solution to the striking problem.

AND in other news, Spurs eye move for Adebayor-like striker, he was once wanted by Pochettino…

Liverpool could be about to see another senior member of the team leave the club this window as Xherdan Shaqiri’s future hangs in the balance.

With Rhian Brewster securing an exciting move to Sheffield United, James Pearce reports that the club isn’t done with offloading surplus players. The Swiss winger has been named amongst those headed for the door, following Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana who were all sold on or released this window.

Liverpool shouldn’t sell Shaqiri

With Brewster no longer with the club and Sadio Mane now confirmed to be out due to illness, Liverpool are stretched thin on the attacking front. Even Harry Wilson has been linked to a move away from Anfield before the window closes, which leaves the Reds with just five fit, senior forwards to be deployed.

However, this is including Takumi Minamino, who has taken on a new role as an attacking midfielder as of late. Divock Origi is also included in this number, who proved to be an unreliable back-up last season with just six goals in 42 appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Despite being out with an injury for most of last season, Shaqiri returned to action in the Carabao Cup and netted his first goal since December. He has shown he can still impact a game and he will be a strong option to have on the bench moving forwards, with the Reds’ assistant Pep Lijnders recently describing him as “superb.”

With his 82 international appearances for Switzerland, his seniority could also be an important asset to have.

With youngster Harvey Elliott also yet to be fully integrated into the first team, Liverpool can’t allow themselves to slip back into old habits. Gone are the days of being forced to play people out of position and Jurgen Klopp must realise that by offloading Brewster, Wilson and Shaqiri, they could be asking for trouble. It takes just one major injury to the front three and the reigning Premier League champions could struggle to keep their crown.

tIn other news, Liverpool have plan for Rhian Brewster’s potential Anfield return…

Arsenal have produced plenty of truly amazing players over the course of their illustrious history, ranging from Cesc Fabregas and Ashley Cole to a more recent example in Bukayo Saka.

But they’ve also let a plethora slip from their grasp, most notably Serge Gnabry who is now a Bundesliga and Champions League winner for Bayern Munich.

Soon, there could be another name to put alongside the German with Donyell Malen continuing to elevate his meteoric rise for both club and country.

Where is Malen now?

The 21-year-old now plies his trade for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, where he has bagged 32 goals in just 77 appearances.

After back-to-back campaigns of scoring at least ten times, Malen has already started this season on fire, scoring two goals in just three starts whilst also averaging a whopping 3.8 shots, 1.5 dribbles and 1.3 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Such form has resulted in a call-up to the Netherland national side, whom he has already earned four caps for in the past year. He even bagged against Germany in a Euro 2020 qualifier too.

The Gunners sold the young sensation for just £500k back in the summer of 2017 despite never being able to feature for the first-team and now prices in excess of €60m (£55m) according to some reports.

This is surely something that the north Londoners regret considering he could have been the long-term heir to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or even a decent replacement for Alexandre Lacazette if he secured his own exit this summer.

Instead, Mikel Arteta will have to live with Arsene Wenger’s mistake to let him leave prematurely sometime in the future.

European football expert Andy Brassell was full of praise for Malen to talkSPORT earlier this year, he said:

“He looks an absolute natural in front of goal. He’s a very quick and explosive forward.

“What really strikes you if you see those goals is the variety of finishes; you’re talking right foot, left foot… someone under 6ft who is very, very good in the air.

“He’s someone who looks like a natural goalscorer.”

His value has increased substantially, around 10900% in fact, so there’s no way the north Londoners can be happy with that considering the 21-year-old was once on their books.

Malen may not have shown his potential then, but he certainly is thriving now.

AND in other news, Arsenal can unearth their next Jack Wilshere with Hale End teen sensation…

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Aston Villa expressed an interest in Celtic star Odsonne Edouard during the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

Dean Smith’s side enjoyed an impressive time in the transfer market over the summer, bringing in a number of high-profile players who have helped the club record a perfect start to the new Premier League season.

Now, Ornstein has revealed that Celtic striker Edouard was the subject of numerous enquiries from clubs in England and abroad, but they were informed that the Bhoys were reluctant to sell.

Ornstein adds that Villa were one of the teams who expressed an interest in signing the Frenchman, and that with him being in the final two years of his contract, next summer will be Celtic’s last chance to get a big fee for him unless they can agree a new contract.

Must be Johan Lange’s priority

Despite some reports claiming that Villa were ready to test the water with a £30m move for Edouard, a deal failed to materialise. However, the striker surely has to be Sporting Director Johan Lange’s priority in the upcoming transfer windows.

The Frenchman has been in blistering form for more than a year now, with last season seeing him bag 21 goals and provide a further 12 assists in just 27 Scottish Premiership games. His start to the new campaign has been equally prolific, netting six times in only ten matches across all competitions.

Whilst Villa seem to be on to a real winner with Ollie Watkins – his perfect hat-trick against Liverpool has already etched his name into folklore at Villa Park – they could get themselves a top goal-scoring partner for the Englishman in Edouard.

Described as a “special talent” by Celtic boss Neil Lennon, he could add yet more cutting edge to Villa’s attack, and whether he partners Watkins or plays as a lone striker, could be a real difference-maker for the club.