All posts by n8rngtd.top

[ad_pod ]

Over the last week it looked increasingly likely that Alex Neil would become the new permanent manager of West Brom.

However, the Preston boss signed a new deal with the club on Sunday after his side had been beaten 4-1 by the team he was attracting the interest of.

It means that West Brom’s managerial search continues to drag on with the club not nearing any decision over its future.

Reacting to the news, some Baggies supporters took a dig at Neil as one fan claimed was a snake in the grass for using West Brom’s interest to secure a new deal with Preston.

One fan said the club had dodged a bullet whilst one simply declared that the shambles now rolls on.

Since sacking Darren Moore, there doesn’t appear to have been any plan over a new manager. James Shan is currently in caretaker charge and as the weeks go by it looks ever more likely that he’ll remain manager until the end of the season.

The latest manager to be targeted by West Brom according to The Sun on Sunday (14/4; page 61) is Sunderland’s Jack Ross.

The Baggies were able to bounce back from two consecutive defeats last weekend as they boosted their play-off hopes significantly.

Here’s the best of the reaction on Twitter.

[ad_pod ]

Leicester City fans have been backing Kelechi Iheanacho to succeed at the club under the management of Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers has sparked a great run of goal scoring form in Jamie Vardy and Foxes fans believe that the Northern Irish boss can get the best out of Iheanacho in a similar way.

The Nigerian has struggled at the King Power Stadium since his move from Manchester City – the striker has scored just once in 29 games in the league so far this season.

The attacker has looked bereft of confidence but fans are now hoping that he can get back to his best under the new manager.

Iheanacho enjoyed a good start to his professional career, boasting an incredible goalscoring record at Man City netting eight goals in just 753 minutes during his first season at the Etihad.

Here’s what Leicester fans have been saying about the fringe attacker on Twitter…

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

[ad_pod ]

Sheffield United fans have been praising David McGoldrick and Chris Wilder after the striker netted a brace against Hull City, taking his tally to 15 for the season in the Championship after joining on a free transfer.

The Republic of Ireland international cost the Blades absolutely nothing and has proven to be a key man in their race for promotion.

United may also have eyes on the league title after their victory, with Norwich dropping points for the third game in a row to leave the gap between the Canaries and the Blades at just three points.

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

The Yorkshire club’s 3-0 win over Hull on Easter Monday means that they remain second in the Championship with just two games of the season to go.

Wilder and his staff have received plaudits on Twitter for signing McGoldrick in a time where many clubs were unwilling to give him a chance after he was released from Ipswich.

Wilder’s gamble has clearly paid off as 15 goals later the Blades are within touching distance of the Premier League.

Here’s what Sheffield United fans have been saying on Twitter…

[ad_pod ]

According to The Express, Manchester United have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Lille forward Nicolas Pepe, who has been in sensational form this season.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Ivorian striker has scored 20 goals and recorded 11 assists in Ligue 1 this season as Lille currently sit second behind Paris Saint-Germain, with Pepe spearheading what has been an impressive campaign.

Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals in France’s top-flight than the 23-year-old, which has attracted the attention of clubs such as Chelsea, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG and now United.

Who would win out of Man Utd’s treble winners and Man City today? Fans discuss in the video below…

The aforementioned report from The Express reveals that the Red Devils are planning for life without Romelu Lukaku, and have identified Pepe as a potential candidate to replace the Belgian.

If they want to have any chance of landing the Lille hotshot, however, United may have to splash the cash on the man rated at £60m.

Ole needs Pepe over Jadon Sancho

United have also been linked with a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund prodigy Jadon Sancho, a player who has recorded more assists than any other player in Europe this season with 17 to his name.

Whilst that would be a fantastic move for a player who is already looking comfortable amongst the elite at just 19 years of age, a move for Pepe would be smarter for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at this moment in time.

The Norwegian has just two wins from his last ten games, a run of form which a club of United’s stature really aren’t used to, and won’t want to get used to.

If the former Cardiff boss carries this form into the next campaign, the pressure on him will be intense and his job could well be on the line.

As a result of Solskjaer needing a fast start next season, a move for Pepe, a man four years older than Sancho and a player who looks far more prolific and accomplished in front of goal, would make more sense.

As good a player as he is, Solskjaer can’t wait for Sancho to fulfil his huge potential amid this tough time at Old Trafford. He needs dangerous, ready-made forwards who can start firing them in from the first whistle of the season, and Pepe is more that man than the Dortmund winger is.

[ad_pod ]

While it was no surprise that Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino didn’t start at Barcelona given he had only recently returned to training following an injury issue, the fact that the wasn’t introduced until the 78th minute was perhaps a surprise, and one that left Arsenal fans on Twitter questioning Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

The Merseyside outfit would have been hoping to pick up a positive result against the La Liga giants ahead of the second leg at Anfield next week, but instead they have a three-goal deficit to make up with their chances of reaching a second successive Champions League final now in tatters.

Firmino was only deemed fit enough to be named on the substitutes’ bench against in Spain having missed the victory against Huddersfield Town on Friday night, but he didn’t enter the field until the scoreline was 2-0.

Have Premier League grounds become “lifeless tourist attractions”? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Arsenal supporters clearly feel that the German made a mistake in that regard, and they are probably right given they failed to take advantage of the attacking momentum they had in the second half at the Camp Nou.

One Gunner labelled Klopp as a “bottler” for not making the decision sooner, while another said “Klopp should’ve Firmino on sooner while they were on top”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

If Liverpool’s fantastic result against Barcelona proved anything, it’s that there’s a future beyond Mohamed Salah.

Granted, the Egyptian King’s been the driving factor in Jurgen Klopp’s amazing project since his arrival in 2017, yet the German coach’s impressive ability to unearth top players for his system is unrivalled right now. Think of Xherdan Shaqiri, Andy Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Not exactly the biggest signings at the time but look at them now.

He’s known to give rise to talented youngsters and turn them into superstars, with the likes of Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold looking great these days. So, Klopp is seemingly eager to maintain this reputation, as according to reports from Asist Analiz is pushing for Turkish young sensation Abdulkadir Omur’s signature.

The 19-year-old is nicknamed as “The Turkish Messi” for his similar style to the Argentine legend, displaying insane work on the ball.

Omur’s a treat to watch due to his exciting nature, as his peak dribbling ability and tendency to just whiz past defenders makes him a menace. The 19-year-old’s scored 4 goals, assisted 7 this season while averaging 1.6 dribbles, 1.3 shots, 1 key pass per game (stats via WhoScored).

For a youngster, his ability to take on defenders is pretty impeccable.

The Turkish sensation has all the traits to be something special and can take that giant leap forward by joining Liverpool. Indeed, Klopp can unearth his best qualities to slowly integrate him as Salah’s long-term successor. In fact, Omur’s style is quite like Salah, as he loves tricking past defenders, cutting in and aiming to score or create opportunities.

The 19-year-old just needs to tune up some aspects of his game, something Klopp can help him with. Who better, in fact? The German gaffer can turn him into a more complete destroyer of defences and allow this sizzling youngster to be his next attacking leader.

Liverpool fans, do you think Omur can be something special at Anfield? Join the discussion by commenting below…

[ad_pod ]

Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with Barcelona’s on-loan midfielder Andre Gomes.

Sport claimed earlier this week that personal terms between Spurs and Gomes had been agreed and that the Catalan giants are set to receive a bid in the region of €30million (£26m) for the 25-year-old.

And yet, something feels off.

The star has spent the season in the Premier League with Everton and he has hardly set the world alight. He has scored once and laid on one assist in the top-flight across 27 games. Those are hardly the statistics of a £26m player.

Now, Spurs do need a midfielder. They lost Mousa Dembele in January and he has not been adequately replaced but there is one man in the squad who appears to have been forgotten about: Harry Winks.

Winks is a more defensive-minded midfielder than Dembele and, while he has struggled with a groin problem this season, it is remarkable to think that Gomes could waltz in and instantly take his spot in the team.

After all, the Barca man is hardly going to replace creative fulcrum Christian Eriksen further up the pitch and nor is he going to dislodge Moussa Sissoko, the club’s best midfielder and engine room powerhouse. Similar in style, Gomes’ position in Tottenham’s strongest XI is surely the one Winks occupies when fit.

Winks has played fewer games than Gomes in the Premier League this season but still, the statistics bear out that it should be the Englishman starting next season at the base of Spurs’ midfield.

In the defensive phase, per WhoScored, Winks makes an average of 1.8 tackles per game to Gomes’ 1.4, concedes just 0.4 fouls per 90 minutes to his counterpart’s 1.8 and makes marginally more interceptions (0.8 to 0.7). He is also dribbled past, on average, 0.3 times per game. Gomes’ number is 1.7.

Perhaps, though, it is offensively where the current Toffee thrives? Nope. While Gomes has more shots (0.8 to 0.3) on average, he has scored the same amount of goals as Winks and also loses the ball far more. Per 90, he loses the ball 1.9 times per game. Winks gives possession away 0.9 times.

This is not to mention Winks’ control of the ball; he is able to command a midfield and has a pass completion rate of 91.8%. Gomes’ is 84.8% and that is from nine fewer passes per game.

Now, Pochettino has worked miracles before. One need only look at the renaissance of Sissoko for evidence of that, but this pursuit of the Portugal international makes precious little sense.

Yes, Spurs need depth in midfield, but spending £26m on a player of similar style who is clearly worse than Winks, a player who need only return to fitness to get back into the team, is negligence in the extreme. Money down the train.

[ad_pod ]

BBC journalist David Ornstein has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the possibility of signing Norwich City defender Max Aarons, per Radio Five Live.

What’s the word?

Spurs are reportedly keen to bring in a number of players this summer as Mauricio Pochettino looks to revamp his squad.

Aarons enjoyed a breakthrough season at Carrow Road, playing 43 times in all competitions as Daniel Farke’s men sealed a return to the Premier League.

And he could well be on his way to Spurs if one of Kieran Trippier or Serge Aurier is sold this summer; Football Italia report claims from Valter De Maggio that Napoli are interested in signing the England international.

Ornstein said: “Right-back is an area (they could strengthen).

“If they were to lose one of their right-backs, they’re keen on Max Aarons, the Norwich right-back, 19-years-old, he’s had a fantastic season at Carrow Road.”

Spurs were also linked with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, of Crystal Palace, as they look to sign a new defender this summer.

Indeed, The Sun claimed in March that the club were interested in the Eagles star as they look to offload both Trippier and Aurier.

A significant downgrade

Signing Aarons is fine for the future but Spurs will need a first-choice right-back if both Trippier and Aurier are allowed to leave, otherwise Pochettino may be forced to trust Kyle Walker-Peters in the role.

Aarons is actually three years younger than Walker-Peters and therein lies the rub; a move for Wan-Bissaka makes a great deal more sense.

The latter at least has Premier League experience and can point to his previous performances at Selhurst Park as the reason behind Spurs’ pursuit.

Aarons, as it stands, is nothing more than potential.

And if Spurs are to progress and break through the glass ceiling in the Premier League, they need the finished article.

[ad_pod ]

According to talkSPORT, Sheffield Wednesday are interested in bringing Macauley Bonne to the club this summer.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season at Leyton Orient netting 23 goals in the National League, and his arrival at Hillsborough could signify a new policy at the Owls.

Bonne’s season

The Zimbabwe international has proven over the last two years that he is one of the most potent attackers outside of the EFL.

This season he found the back of the net more than 20 times for the second season running, so he clearly knows where the net is.

Of course, it is a big step up from the fifth tier of English football to the Championship, but it has been proven in recent years that it can be done.

Andre Gray and Jamie Vardy have both been top scorers in Non-League in recent years, and multiple other Championship level strikers have come through the lower divisions.

The likes of Lee Gregory, Jack Marriot and Dwight Gayle have all cut their teeth outside of the EFL before making big impacts in the higher divisions, and Bonne could be next on that list.

A new approach

Sheffield Wednesday have had problems with their strikers over the past few years. Big-money and experienced signings Jordan Rhodes, Gary Hooper and Steven Fletcher have all failed to meet lofty expectations, so it appears they are testing a new approach.

The Yorkshire club have wasted boatloads of money on these ‘tried and tested’ Championship hitmen who have failed to score regularly for the Owls, and it seems as if they are moving towards a new system where they try to create new stars rather than buying from their rivals at inflated fees.

Who would make a combined Sheffield XI? Ingood Nick makes his picks in the video below…

Bonne could be the first player the Yorkshire club test this new system on. With Hooper already leaving and Rhodes seemingly having one foot out the door, there is a gap for a new striker, and Bonne could be the man to step in.

[ad_pod ]

Former Rangers player Derek Ferguson reckons the Ibrox side should sell Alfredo Morelos for around just £6m this summer, speaking on Open Goal’s season review show.

What’s he said?

Almost ever since his arrival Morelos has been talked about in terms of being a sellable asset and his 30 goals for the club this season have only fuelled a general belief he could one day exit Ibrox for big money.

Ferguson though reckons his discipline problems have gotten in the way of a truly mammoth deal, reckoning the Gers should bite on a deal well below eight figures.

Speaking on Open Goal’s season review show, the former midfielder said:

“I’m delighted that [Jermain] Defoe’s come in and he’s played exceptionally well. He [Morelos] is on the bench at the minute and he won’t be liking that because every footballer wants to play. I think he got carried away, thinking it was all about him. It’s not about you – it’s about the squad, it’s about the team.

“It [Morelos’ indiscipline] could’ve cost Rangers.

“He’s not a good role model. If the kids are going to the games, the way he’s carrying on, it’s not a good look.

“I think if they get maybe even £6m or £7m, I would snap your hand off for that. I see a quote this morning saying he wants to play in a more competitive league…but he’s not won the league.

“I don’t know where he gets that from.”

Is he right?

With five red cards this season there’s absolutely no doubt that Morelos has let both himself and his team down when it comes to discipline issues, but selling him well below his true value isn’t a viable option for Rangers here.

Managing Director Stewart Robertson told supporters earlier this year the club were looking at a fee close to what Celtic received for Moussa Dembele from Lyon, so clearly the Gers value him well beyond £15m.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

It’s not in Rangers to let him go for below £10m given his ability to find goals, his potential and his age. They may be the Ibrox side’s rivals but Celtic have paved the way for selling talent in Scotland, no long should stand-outs leave for bigger leagues on the cheap.

The Gers have Morelos tied down to a contract that doesn’t expire until 2023 and hold all the cards on a potential departure, now they must leverage that to get a fair fee.