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Football is fickle, and Liverpool’s brace of draws in the Premier League have provided high-flying Chelsea with an in and changed the narrative about the Reds’ imperiousness.

Of course, Liverpool are still two points clear of Enzo Maresca’s outfit, and with a game in hand at that, but now need a reaction after dropping points against Fulham at Anfield.

Arne Slot has been brilliant since taking Jurgen Klopp’s place in the summer, but some backbiters have claimed that he’s running on the coattails of his predecessor’s dynasty. This is misguided criticism.

You need only dig a little deeper to understand that Liverpool are operating with a completely new tactical identity, and though points were ceded at Anfield after ground was previously slashed at Newcastle United, the ten-man Merseysiders showed title-winning resolve to claw back against Fulham.

The return of Diogo Jota proved to be the difference-maker, with the Portugal star scoring off the bench after missing 11 matches in all competitions, confirming the hard-fought draw.

Diogo Jota's importance to Liverpool

Jota has been a terrific servant for Liverpool since arriving in 2020. The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward moved to Anfield in a deal worth £41m and has since established himself as one of the most clinical players in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, there are two sides to this coin and Jota has also earned an unwanted reputation for injury issues, missing big chunks of most of his campaigns in red.

It’s something of a running gag on Merseyside that the 27-year-old’s prolificness is packaged into his time on the field because he endures many stretches in the infirmary.

He’s not just a sharpshooter either, as you can see from Jota’s assist tally. As per FBref, he does rank among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (0.70), but he also ranks among the top 1% for assists per 90 (0.39), while also ranking well in ball-carrying and defensive areas.

He might not be the flashiest forward in Slot’s squad, not the fastest, but Jota is undoubtedly blessed with an innate attacking sense that allows him to provide repeated relief for Liverpool. That and a brilliant ball-striking ability, of course.

The same can’t really be said for Darwin Nunez, who is perhaps Jota’s inverse in some ways. All prancing and wild energy and havoc-wreaking output, the Uruguay international lacks that fundamental element that makes or breaks a first-class striker: finishing.

It means that Liverpool struggle to provide incision in some moments. It means that Nunez, for all his qualities, his prancing and energy and so on, still languishes below the reputation that his potential suggests he can achieve.

With just three goals from 20 appearances in all competitions this season, things need to improve, and you wouldn’t be surprised to see FSG dip into the market for a number nine in 2025, should things fail to improve.

Jota, after all, is injury-prone. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres are possibly the names that would spring to most Liverpool minds, but Dominic Solanke would have been perfect, a counterpoint to Jota’s sharpshooting skill.

Why Dominic Solanke would be perfect for Liverpool

Proper centre-forward. That’s what they’ll tell you down at N17. And they are right. Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been smooth sailing through the 2024/25 campaign but do boast one of the most exciting frontlines in the Premier League, and Solanke is the focal frontman.

Solanke has spent most of the past six years on the south coast with Bournemouth, making gain after gain before being purchased by Spurs for a club-record (in both directions) £65m figure.

Seven goals and four assists across 21 matches isn’t the most awe-inspiring of hauls, but Solanke has been consistent and, importantly, effective in the striking area.

Described as a “pressing monster” by reporter George Sessions, Solanke is a monstrous mass of energy and power and physicality, all wrapped into the mould of a multi-faceted centre-forward who is capable of leading the line at the highest level.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 14% of strikers in the Premier League this season for successful take-ons per 90 (1.10), emphasising that point.

Could certain Liverpool figures regret Solanke’s sale several years ago? Solanke left Liverpool for Bournemouth in January 2019 after a worthwhile but ultimately unsuccessful stint at Anfield during his maiden days as a pro.

The £19m fee that Liverpool recouped for their young forward washed away any kind of sadness. Solanke only scored one goal across 27 senior showings for the Reds.

But even so, given that Jurgen Klopp thought it was the “absolute right” decision for Solanke to go and hone his craft as the main man elsewhere, before rebounding back to European competition, Liverpool can’t feel too hard done by.

It’s just that Solanke is now fully fledged and one of the most interesting strikers in the Premier League, with the physicality and mobility to shine alongside his impressive strike rate. Equally, as per Football Transfers, Solanke’s worth currently stands at around €57m (£47m), while Jota is deemed to be worth ‘just’ €37m (£31m).

​​​​​​In all honesty, it’s hard to argue that Nunez is bringing more to Slot’s table than Solanke right now, ​and even though the England international’s numbers aren’t the very best, Liverpool have Jota to enjoy too – and perhaps just need something a bit more robust and refined than what they’ve typically got at number nine.

Liverpool hit gold selling Klopp's "genius" who’s now worth less than Endo

This has proved to be one of the most important Liverpool sales in modern history.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 12, 2024

Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Arsenal are all reportedly keen on Wolfsburg loanee Mohamed Amoura.

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• Amoura in demand after impressive seasons
• Premier League clubs on forward
• Has been likened to Riyad Mahrez

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amoura has attracted interest from the English sides after an impressive season in the Bundesliga, according to . The striker, who is on loan at Wolfsburg from Union Saint-Gilloise, has 10 goals and eight assists in 24 Bundesliga outings and has bagged braces against both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amoura is valued at around €35 to €40 million (£29m to £34m) and has been previously described as "the next Riyad Mahrez" by . The 24-year-old is known for his speed, pressing and explosiveness and only Michael Olise, Florian Wirtz and Omar Marmoush have provided most interests that Amoura in the Bundesliga this season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Amoura was in action for Algeria over the international break and scored a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifying win over Mozambique.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMOURA

  Amoura will aim to continue his fine form for Wolfsburg in the final months of the season as the Bundesliga side aim to finish the season with European qualification. If he does continue to impress he may not lack for offers this summer.

Arsenal have been informed by representatives that a Bayern Munich star is “seriously considering” a transfer to England, as Mikel Arteta’s side become contenders to secure his services next year.

Arsenal prepare to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League

While the vast majority of Premier League sides kicked-off on Boxing Day, Arteta and today’s adversary Kieran McKenna were forced to wait a day later to commence their top flight face-off, with Arsenal taking on Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

Arteta earmarks £83m forward as a main candidate to join Arsenal in January

The Spaniard has compiled a list of targets.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 26, 2024

Arsenal didn’t play on Boxing Day because Amazon Prime wanted to spread out the games for better TV coverage, with the media giant electing to broadcast the Gunners and Ipswich, alongside Brentford versus Brighton, tonight instead of a day post-Christmas.

McKenna’s side travel to North London with the aim of causing a huge upset, and it would be just that, considering Ipswich have won just two of their 17 Premier League games so far, whilst also losing four in their last five.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are forced to contend without Bukayo Saka after he picked up a knee injury in their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace. Arteta has confirmed that the £195,000-per-week winger will be out for “many weeks”, and the Spaniard cannot turn to summer signing Raheem Sterling, who’s also picked up a knee injury.

Arteta has a selection dilemma on his hands, as he decides how best to set his team up without both of his first-choice right-wingers. Kai Havertz can play out wide in Saka’s stead, as can Gabriel Jesus if required, and this could be a chance to hand Ethan Nwaneri more top-flight minutes.

In any case, Arteta has urged his team not to underestimate Ipswich tonight.

“Very impressed,” said Arteta on Ipswich as a team.

“I like Kieran and have a lot of people that know him very closely, and they always say great things about him. You can tell how they’re coached, what they’re trying to do. I think they’ve been very unfortunate in many games not getting the results that they deserve, so a very tough game for sure.”

Arsenal told by agents that Alphonso Davies could move to England

Off the field, interim director Jason Ayto and the wider recruitment department are preparing for both the January and summer transfer windows at Arsenal, with Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies on their agenda.

The Canada superstar is out of contract next summer, meaning he can agree a pre-contract with a Premier League club in January ahead of joining them for free later in the year.

The possibility of snapping Davies up on a free transfer is something which interests Arsenal – alongside Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Man United – as The Boot Room report this week.

TBR and journalist Graeme Bailey claim that Arsenal have been told by agents that Davies is “seriously considering” a move to England, amid this clamour for his services from elite Premier League sides, and while Bayern are hopeful he’ll extend, they’re also wary he could move on to pastures new.

Interestingly, it is also believed that Bundesliga giants are targeting AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez as a potential replacement.

Eric Cantona savaged Manchester United owners for "destroying everything" and admitted that he would not choose to support the Red Devils now.

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• Cantona vexed with United's leadership
• Hits out at club owners
• Criticised the idea of playing at a new stadium

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 58-year-old former French forward, who remains a beloved figure among the Red Devils’ faithful, did not hold back in his criticism of both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Speaking passionately, Cantona condemned the direction United has taken under their stewardship, claiming the club has lost its essence.

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  WHAT CANTONA SAID

  Cantona came down heavily upon Ratcliffe's decision to make 450 club staff redundant and said: "The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around are like a big family. I remember a dressing-room with players and Sir Alex Ferguson, all these people you don‘t know who helped us to feel at home and be in a family. I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and teammates.

  "Since Ratcliffe arrived, it’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore. He is more than a legend and I think we have to find this soul again. This team of directors, they try to destroy everything. They don’t respect anybody."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cantona voiced strong opposition to plans to rebuild Old Trafford, likening it to Arsenal’s controversial move from Highbury to the Emirates.

  "They even want to change the stadium. The stadium is iconic," he added. "For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury, and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury. It’s like when you go in a house and feel a special energy. Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? It’s impossible. I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford. But I think maybe we are dreamers and they are more like an economy and a strategy. I hate this kind of thing. I hate this kind of decision."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  In a shocking statement, Cantona confessed that, if he were picking a club to support today, Manchester United would not be his choice.

  "I support United because I really love United," he said. "But now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club, I don’t think I would choose United because I don’t feel close to these kind of decisions. Do you feel close to this project? I don’t think so."

Last season was a tough one for Tottenham Hotspur fans, but this one has been on another level entirely so far.

The North Londoners have been ravaged by injuries from the word go and, at present, are down to the bare bones in defence and missing players in midfield and attack to boot.

However, while injuries and suspensions have certainly played their part in the team’s poor results, those who have been fit have also underperformed and been responsible for draws and defeats that should have been won.

It was the same story last week, as Ange Postecoglou’s side fell to a late equaliser against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and with an even more challenging game to come against Newcastle United today, changes need to be made in the attack, with club captain Son Heung-min dropping to the bench.

Why Son should be dropped

Okay, so the first thing to say is that, regardless of his form, nobody can deny Son’s monumental impact on Spurs over the years and the utterly sensational performances he has put in season after season.

However, time comes for us all, and so far this year, particularly of late, he has just looked miles off the pace regardless of whether he starts on the wing or down the middle.

We saw his diminishing impact in the game against Wolves, as in his 64 minutes of action, he missed a penalty, created a paltry expected assists figure of just 0.02, took 28 touches, misplaced 100% of his crosses, didn’t attempt a single dribble, played a single key pass and made just 15 passes.

Unsurprisingly, with a display like that, the watching press was suitably unimpressed with the South Korean superstar.

For example, Spurs writer Alasdair Gold gave him a dismal match rating of just 4/10 and wrote that it was just another game in which he ‘struggled to make an impact’ and that he ‘couldn’t argue with being taken off at the hour mark.’

At the end of the day, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace can still be a useful player for Postecoglou and Spurs, but he cannot start against all-action Toon today.

The player who should take Son's place

So, with Mikey Moore still out with an illness and with Timo Werner being even more underwhelming than Son this season, the player Postecoglou should start on the left is Dejan Kulusevski.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we know he’s been brilliant in midfield this year.

However, he has some experience playing off the left, and he is such an unbelievably talented footballer that he’ll be able to influence that game from anywhere on the pitch.

Moreover, this frees up another spot in the middle of the park for James Maddison to come back into the team, making the North Londoners even more dangerous going forward.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the Premier League, the former Leicester City star sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders or wingers for actual and expected non-penalty goals, the top 4% for assists and progressive passes and the top 8% for total shots, all per 90.

Likewise, FBref has also placed the “world-class” Swede, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, in the top 5% of attacking midfielders or wingers this season for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the top 16% for progressive carries, all per 90.

It would be an even more attacking set-up from the Lilywhites, but with Fabian Schar out for the Magpies, the attack might genuinely be the best form of defence today.

Ultimately, Postecoglou is in a rough spot with injuries and the overall form of his team, so going all out for the three points today with Maddison and Kulusevski in the side might just be a gamble worth taking.

UCL giants want to sign him: Tottenham now at risk of awful Bale repeat

The incredible player would be a huge loss for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 3, 2025

The last few years have been nothing short of a roller coaster for Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys have gone from mid-table mediocrity in League One to the Premier League in the blink of an eye, thanks to a mixture of incredibly underrated players and the genius of Kieran McKenna.

However, while their fairytale ascent up the league has been sensational, the Suffolk side now have half a campaign to try and keep themselves in the top flight, where they belong.

Fortunately, results have started to pick up in recent weeks, and there is a chance to add more quality to the team this month, specifically in the midfield.

Ipswich's midfield stars

Now, the star of the show for Ipswich this season has undoubtedly been the incredible Liam Delap, who looks like one of the best strikers in the league, with a close second potentially being full-back phenom Leif Davis.

However, while they have not received the same plaudits from the wider footballing world, the Tractor Boys have more than a couple of midfielders who’ve looked at home in the top flight.

For example, summer signing Omari Hutchinson has made 11 appearances in the middle of the park this season, in which he’s scored twice and picked up one assist, while club captain Sam Morsy has played 18 games between central and defensive midfield for McKenna this year, also managing to score and assist a goal in the process.

Alongside the captain this term, it has been either Jens Cajuste, who has racked up 15 appearances thus far, or Kalvin Phillips, who, while looking shakey here and there, has the ability to do a job in defensive midfield and has 13 appearances to his name.

In short, while most of them are unspectacular players, Ipswich’s current crop of midfield options are managing to hold their own in the Premier League, but according to reports from earlier this month, they could soon have some more help as the club are said to be interested in former Chelsea star Nemanja Matic.

However, while the Serbian international is a vastly experienced player and a big name to boot, the Blues might have already been linked to a perfect alternative late last month.

Ipswich's potential Matic alternative

So, to get straight to the point, the potential alternative is former Leeds United star Glen Kamara.

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey late last month, the 6 foot titan, who joined Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes in the summer for just £8.4m, has caught the attention of several clubs, including Ipswich and Southampton.

It’s unclear how much the French side would want for the former Rangers star, but as he’s played just 43% of available league minutes this term, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’d be willing to accept a fee close to the one they paid in the summer.

However, though he hasn’t played as much football as perhaps he would have liked this season, there are a couple of reasons why he could be an ideal alternative to Matic for the Tractor Boys.

The first is that when we take a look under the hood and compare the midfielders’ underlying numbers from this season, it is the Finnish “monster,” as dubbed by former manager Steven Gerrard, who comes out on top.

For example, while it is close, he comes out on top in more metrics that he doesn’t, metrics including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, expected assists, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, dribblers tackled, interceptions, errors leading to a shot, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

On top of having the statistical argument, there is also a significant one around the longevity of the players, as at 29 years old, the Rennes ace could keep playing at the top level for seasons to come, whereas, at 36, the former Serbian international is undoubtedly close to hanging up his boots.

Lastly, the former Manchester United star is currently earning around £97k-per-week, while the 65-capped Fin is on a far more reasonable wage of £29k-per-week, which, when combined with his underlying numbers and age, makes him a far more attractive alternative for a relegation-threatened side who may need to bring in more players this month.

Ultimately, Matic has had a sensational career at the very top of the game, but as things stand, it would make far more sense for Ipswich to try and court Kamara this month.

Imagine him & Delap: Ipswich eyeing swoop to sign "clinical" EFL star

Ipswich Town are reportedly interested in a deal to bring the Championship star in this month.

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By
Dan Emery

Jan 14, 2025

Liverpool's charge to the Premier League is in part being aided by a new performance tracker that helps them prevent injuries.

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• Liverpool using new performance tracker this season
• Arsenal, PSG and Man City also reaping benefits
• AI tool helps prevent injuries

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are among the sports teams using STATSports' Apex 2.0, a performance tracker that uses AI and machine learning to deliver biomechanical analysis and technique corrections to more efficiently identify injury risk.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Apex 2.0 system also uses military grade satellite navigation systems to help improve data accuracy and reduce the margin of error when coaches are preparing players in training, lowering the risk of injury. The system can analyse historical performance data for players and compare it to their current numbers, with feedback provided in real time during training and matches. On top of that, the AI-powered technology has allowed STATSports to create profiling tools to identify speed deficiencies in players. The tools suggest improvements for players, giving clubs the opportunity to unlock added athletic potential in their squad.

  For the likes of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, the proof is in the pudding. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are the Reds’ only two absentees, while PSG’s exciting young squad is fit and firing as they target an unbeaten Ligue 1 season and a treble capped by a potential first Champions League triumph. For two teams who play such an intense, high-energy brand of football, the lack of injury issues is eye-opening.

• WHAT STATSPORTS SAID

  Sean O’Connor, co-founder, STATSports, said: "For too long now we have heard athletes’ stories of being over or undertrained – albeit unknowingly – at high speed and over long distances because the data a sports scientist is seeing live is simply not accurate. The cumulative effects of this incorrect loading over the course of a season, let alone a career, do not bear thinking about.

   "This is why we are proud to roll-out Apex 2.0 to some of the biggest and most recognisable names in world sport – including Liverpool, who have one of the best injury records of any team in the Premier League this season. The accuracy and reliability of the data produced by Apex 2.0 is unmatched anywhere."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Apex 2.0 received a FIFA Quality award, and O’Connor is confident about the wider impact the system will have going forward.

  "This cutting-edge technology will modernise the coaching process as we know it through advanced AI, unrivalled data standards and ease of use,” he added. “Thanks to RTK and GNSS satellite navigation systems, our data is the most accurate and fastest accessible on the market."

Antonio Conte clashed with the Italian press after Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to a huge win in the Serie A title race over Monza.

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• Napoli beat Monza 1-0 in Serie A
• McTominay scored the winner
• Conte criticised by Italian press

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Conte has repeatedly lamented the lack of reinforcements since Napoli sanctioned the January sale of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian’s departure left a gaping hole in Napoli’s attack, and Conte has been vocal in pointing out the lack of like-for-like alternatives available to him.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The absence of quality has been particularly noticeable in matches where Napoli have struggled to create chances. Though Saturday's game yielded a win through Scott McTominay, the manager pointed to the overall performance as further evidence that the squad lacks the necessary depth and balance to sustain a title challenge. Conte was also seen exchanging heated words with Napoli supporters in the stands after McTominay’s winner, as fans voiced their own opinions from the terraces.

• WHAT THE MEDIA SAID

  Despite Conte’s complaints, Italian media outlets have challenged his assessment of the squad. notably highlighted the game-changing influence of Giacomo Raspadori, who came off the bench to deliver the decisive assist for McTominay’s goal.

  “The link-up between Mathías Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola didn’t work, and not even Billy Gilmour was convincing,” journalist Sebastiano Vernazza wrote in his player ratings.

  “Conte saved himself with Raspadori, the living proof that the reserves are not so bad.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

  Despite the drama surrounding the win, the result propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, albeit temporarily. They now sit level on 71 points with Inter, who have a game in hand and face a potentially tricky test away at Bologna on Sunday.

Newcastle United supporters are loving life right now.

Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Bromley means the Magpies have now won eight successive matches, doing so, as a top-flight club, for the first time since March 2005.

As well as FA Cup progression, Eddie Howe’s team have climbed up to fifth in the Premier League table and are all but through to the EFL Cup Final, meaning they will aim to collect a ninth consecutive victory when Wolves visit St James’ Park on Wednesday night, a feat the club most-recently achieved in 1994.

Currently on course for Champions League qualification, Newcastle could also be busy off the field this January, seeking to enhance their forward line.

Newcastle targeting new winger

Newcastle haven’t enjoyed the transfer window recently. In 2024, they were forced to sell two incredibly talented young players in Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.

Well, fast forward to January 2025 and it looks like they’re trying to fix that situation by bringing in one of the finest young English prospects.

That’s according to The Athletic who reveal that ‘Newcastle have watched’ Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.

He is not a priority target for January and is one of a number of young forward players being looked at.

Previous reports add that the attacker is also on Manchester City’s “radar”, while Chelsea regret allowing the teenager to return to the Saints two seasons ago.

Newcastle have a long-standing interest in Dibling, he reportedly met with club staff during a visit to Tyneside in 2022, and their interest in his signature remains strong.

Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes Southampton value their most-prized asset at £30m, adding it is ‘inevitable’ that he will leave the Saints this year, given that the South Coast side are doomed for the drop, currently ten points from safety.

Transfer Focus

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

How Tyler Dibling would improve Newcastle

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy said Dibling “goes past people at ease, he’s got a lovely left foot”, adding even though he’s only just come on the scene, “he’s going to be something really special”.

So where would Dibling fit in at Newcastle?

The teenager has been deployed both wide-right and centrally for Southampton, but would likely be signed to usurp the in-form Jacob Murphy as Newcastle’s first-choice option on the right-flank, so let’s see how the duo compare.

Before analysing the statistics, it’s worth stating up front that Murphy is playing for the most in-form team in the Premier League, a side he is, in fairness, a key member of, while Dibling’s Southampton are on course to break Derby’s worst-ever points tally of 11, set in 2007/08.

That caveat aside, Dibling’s numbers are even more impressive, emphasising he is much more of a direct winger than Murphy, hence why he’s accumulated more shots, a higher % of which hit the target, while the teenager has attempted more than three times as many take-ons.

In fact, across the entire Premier League, only 11 players have registered more take-ons, while he ranks joint 35th for progressive carries, which may not sound overly impressive, but it certainly is considering the Saints are rock-bottom of the table, having won only one game all season, so just imagine how effective Dibling could be in a top side.

Murphy is certainly underrated, playing magnificently well for Newcastle right now, but if the Magpies want to go to the next level, they need a game-changing right-winger.

Dibling could be the man they’re looking for; alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, he would certainly form a frightening attacking trident.

Newcastle could make Isak even better by signing "unstoppable" £68m star

Newcastle are eyeing up an ambitious move this month

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 13, 2025

Jhon Duran, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane were on target as Al-Nassr thrashed Yokohama F Marinos 4-1 to reach the ACL last-four stage.

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• Duran starred for Al-Nassr with a brace
• Ronaldo and Mane also on target
• Al-Nassr beat Yokohama F Marinos 4-1 to reach the semis

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  TELL ME MORE

  Al-Nassr meant business right from the kick-off as they looked determined to pick up an early goal. The Saudi Pro League club finally broke the deadlock just minutes before the half-hour mark as Jhon Duran took advantage of their opponents' sloppy defending. Sadio Mane initiated the move with a low cross from the left side, which Thomas Deng intercepted, but the Yokohama defender's poor clearance hit the post and went straight in Duran's direction. The former Aston Villa man made no mistake in pushing the ball into the net from the rebound.

  In the 31st minute, Mane took matters into his own hands and doubled his side's lead. A brilliantly manoeuvred team move saw Cristiano Ronaldo receive the ball near the centre circle and immediately push it towards Otavio. The midfielder then made a run down the middle before finding Mane on his left and the ex-Liverpool star comfortably found the back of the net.

  Seven minutes later, Ronaldo increased his team's tally with a simple strike. Marcelo Brozovic attempted a shot from distance, which was thwarted by Park Il-gyu. The rebound ball fell to Ronaldo's feet and he comfortably scored the team's third goal.

  Just four minutes after the break, Duran sealed the game with his second goal, and once again it was a simple tap-in from a rebound. The Yokohama goalkeeper made a valiant effort to parry the ball away from Ali Alhassan's shot, but the lurking 21-year-old forward pushed the ball into the net. The hosts then pulled one back in the 53rd minute as Kota Watanabe scored an eye-catching goal. He hit a low shot from distance, which flew past Bento.

  Al-Nassr cruise into the ACL last-four stage, where they will now face the winner of the quarter-final match between Kawasaki Frontale and Qatari giants Al Sadd.

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  THE MVP

  On a night when all three Al-Nassr forwards got their names on the screenshot, it was 21-year-old Colombian forward Duran who stole the limelight. The ex-Villa man functioned as a perfect No.9 and scored twice to help his team reach the ACL semi-final.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  Kenya-born Australian defender Deng had a night to forget as his disastrous blunder led to Al-Nassr's opening which handed the Saudi club the much-needed confidence in the match. His clueless clearance of Mane's cross gifted Duran the opportunity to break the deadlock.

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  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Stefano Pioli's side will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League on May 7 as they take on league leaders Al-Ittihad at home in a crucial encounter.