Manchester United are leading the race to sign Liam Delap but the striker's transfer could depend on Europa League final result.
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Man Utd favourites to sign DelapCould beat Chelsea to the strikerDelap's move depends on Europa League final resultFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Per , Ipswich Town's Delap is reportedly ready to pick United over Chelsea as his next destination this summer. The former Manchester City player, who has scored 12 Premier League goals in the 2024-25 campaign, is ready to return to the north west.
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Delap reportedly had a £30 million ($40m) relegation release clause in his contract, which is now active after the Tractor Boys went down from the top division last month. It is believed that both the Blues and the Red Devils are ready to trigger the clause, as they look to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report adds that Delap's decision could be affected by the result of the upcoming Europa League final between United and Tottenham Hotspur, as the English forward is prioritising European football. If Ruben Amorim's side win the title next week and qualify for the Champions League, they will be able to lure Delap to move to Old Trafford.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
Amorim's men, who have not won a Premier League game since March 17, will next face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Friday.
GOAL runs through the key signings, moves, matches and injuries during the Reds' triumphant 2024-25 campaign
Liverpool have done it! The Reds are champions of England for a record-equalling 20th time thanks to Sunday's 5-1 victory over Tottenham, which has given Arne Slot's side an unassailable 15-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with four rounds remaining.
We can safely say that nobody saw this coming at the start of the season – not with the club still coming to terms with the devastating departure of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, who bid an emotional farewell to Anfield just under a year ago.
However, former Feyenoord boss Slot has done a sensational job dealing with the pressure of succeeding a Kop icon while at the same time getting the absolute maximum out of a squad that wasn't really strengthened at all last summer. So, how did the Dutchman do it?
Well, a couple of minor tactical tweaks certainly helped, but Slot was also aided by a couple of key characters putting incessant contract talk to one side to produce one influential display after another. Below, GOAL runs through the key moments in Liverpool's triumphant 2024-25 Premier League campaign…
Getty Images SportPerfect Klopp replacement
Where else but to begin than right at the start, because let's face it: Liverpool's appointment of Arne Slot was fundamental to their 20th top-flight success. Lest anyone forget, replacing a living legend like Jurgen Klopp was widely regarded as the impossible job – but Slot has proven the perfect replacement.
A lot of credit must, therefore, go to sporting director Richard Hughes. He may have copped plenty of subsequent flak for his transfer activity – or lack thereof – but he got the biggest call of his time at Anfield 100 percent correct. Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi were all touted as possible Klopp replacements, but the Reds instead offered the job to the unassuming Dutchman doing a fantastic job at Feyenoord.
"The playing style that attracted us to Arne is based on subjective footballing opinion and data as well," Hughes explained at Slot's unveiling last July. "In all the metrics, Arne's Feyenoord team came out really well. They played real front-foot, attacking football with intelligence and passion, and I think those are all attributes that we would welcome here at Liverpool. I also think they lend really well with the current squad that we have, our supporters and the football club as a whole."
Hughes couldn't have been more right…
AdvertisementGetty Images SportGravenberch slots in
Martin Zubimendi's decision to reject a move to Anfield in favour of staying at Real Sociedad meant Liverpool still had a major problem in midfield. Slot solved it by redeploying Ryan Gravenberch as a No.6.
Although his potential was obvious, the Netherlands international had struggled to play with any great fluency during his first season at Anfield. However, he proved a revelation in his new defensive midfield role on the opening day of the season at Portman Road.
"I think he has the attributes to play there," Slot told after the 2-0 win over Ipswich. "He has to develop in that position, that's also clear, but he's comfortable with the ball, he can run, and he can keep running!"
Gravenberch impressed again in the 2-0 win over Brentford, but it was his classy performance in the 3-0 rout of Manchester United at Old Trafford on matchday three which proved that the Dutchman had finally found his best position.
Getty Images SportCity lose Rodri
This is certainly not an attempt to detract in any way, shape or form from Liverpool's championship success, but there is simply no denying that Rodri tearing his ACL against Arsenal on September 22 was one of the defining moments of the season.
Manchester City initially coped quite well without the Spain midfielder and they were still unbeaten in all competitions as we entered November. However, they then capitulated, as the devastating consequences of being shorn of the services of their most influential player were compounded by an injury crisis in defence and several key men suffering dramatic dips in form, including Phil Foden, last year's Premier League Player of the Season.
Indeed, it suddenly became very clear that Pep Guardiola had erred horribly in allowing the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan to grow old together at the Etihad. By the time City's billionaire owners moved to rectify the mistake by significantly strengthening the squad during a January spending spree, it was already too late. Liverpool had taken full advantage of Pep's lack of foresight during a blistering start to the season and had absolutely no intention of allowing their great rivals back into the title race.
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Getty Images SportGakpo stars in preferred position
With Luis Diaz having made a blistering start to the new season and Diogo Jota fit and firing up front, Cody Gakpo began Liverpool's first six league games on the bench. However, by that point, Slot had already decided that his compatriot was most effective on the left flank – thanks in no small part to a fantastic display in the Carabao Cup win over West Ham on September 5.
So, when Gakpo did eventually start in the Premier League for the first time, against Crystal Palace on October 5, he did so in his preferred position and set up the winning goal for Jota inside the opening 10 minutes.
Gakpo never really looked back from there and was one of Liverpool's form players before picking up a niggling injury in February that checked his progress. Still, it's clear that the Dutchman has benefited enormously from being almost exclusively played out wide this season.
Chelsea’s hunt for a new talisman is rapidly running out with just a couple of days remaining in the January transfer window to do any form of business.
Enzo Maresca has been after a new number nine in both of the transfer windows since his appointment at Stamford Bridge, but his hunt has so far been to no avail – undoubtedly disappointing the Italian.
Nicolas Jackson remains his primary option within the current first-team squad, with the Senegalese international notching nine goals in his 22 appearances – an average of one every 2.4 games he features in.
Whilst such a record is credible given the competitive nature of the Premier League, it’s clear the boss wants another experienced option to help his quest of taking the Blues back to the summit of the table.
One name has continuously been linked with a move to West London in recent days, but competition has seriously ramped up for his signature as the deadline edges ever closer.
Chelsea’s hunt to land Bayern’s Mathys Tel
In recent days, Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has emerged as the latest striker to be linked with a move to join Chelsea, as the club look to finally end their pursuit.
Their ambitions of landing the Frenchman were handed a boost after it was confirmed that he wanted to depart the Bundesliga side after his lack of game time under Vincent Kompany in 2024/25.
Mathys Tel
His admission has sparked interest from multiple other English sides such as Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United, with Tottenham Hotspur appearing to lead the race for the 19-year-old.
Tel appeared to wave goodbye to Bayern supporters after their Champions League clash on Wednesday night, but it’s unclear whether any deal would be on a temporary or permanent basis.
However, despite the interest in services, Maresca and the hierarchy should put all their focus and attention on one other player who’s previously been linked with a move to the Bridge.
Why David would be better than Tel for Chelsea
Jonathan David is another player who’s been on the shortlist of various Premier League outfits during January, unsurprisingly given his form for Lille in Ligue 1 during 2024/25.
The Canadian has registered 18 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, including seven goals in 11 Champions League games in the group and qualifying stages.
The Blues have previously been in the race for the 25-year-old’s services this month, with it being reported earlier this week that an unnamed English club had a £10m bid rejected.
However, Chelsea could pounce on his current scenario and make a move for David with his deal set to expire at the end of the season, offering the club a better option than current target Tel.
When comparing the pair on FBref, the Lille talisman has massively outperformed the youngster, further showcasing why he would be a better choice in the coming days.
Games played
18
8
Goals & assists
13
1
Shot-on-target accuracy
52%
30%
Goals & assists per 90
0.9
0.3
Take-on success
50%
50%
Aerials won
0.7
0.3
Times caught offside
0.1
0.4
David, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world” by podcaster Tony Marinaro, has massively outscored the Bayern talent, whilst also producing a better shot-on-target accuracy rate – handing Maresca the clinical edge he’s desperately been hunting for.
He’s also averaged more aerials won per 90 along with being caught offside fewer times, undoubtedly showing that he could be the all-round talisman the Blues have been hunting for.
It’s unclear if his current side would be willing to part ways with their star man this month, but given his current contract length, it would be a shame not to see the club take advantage.
If the Blues are to reach the next level under Maresca, it’s crucial that they recruit the right players to help him in his attempts, with David providing exactly that should he move.
Worth more than Tel: Chelsea have already struck gold on "world-class" star
Chelsea have already hit the jackpot with one player who’s worth more than Mathys Tel.
Arsenal scouts are now obsessed with a “fantastic” young midfielder after his impressive performances this season, according to a report.
Arsenal still within reach of Liverpool
Although Liverpool are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of the Premier League title, securing a 5-0 victory at West Ham United yesterday, a nine-point gap is by no means insurmountable for Arsenal in the second half of the season.
However, Mikel Arteta may have to bring in some reinforcements this winter in order to give his side the best possible chance of catching Arne Slot’s men, and the manager is believed to be keen on signing a new striker.
Randal Kolo Muani is on Arteta’s list of targets, with the Frenchman’s future at Paris Saint-Germain still uncertain, while a move for Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen is also being plotted, although a deal will not come cheap, with a £66m fee being touted.
Signing a new striker appears to be a priority for the Gunners, given the number of targets that have been identified, but Arteta still continues to cast his eye on players in other positions, who could make a more long-term contribution to the club.
Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Brentford (a)
January 1st
Brighton (a)
January 4th
Tottenham Hotspur (h)
January 15th
Aston Villa (h)
January 18th
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
January 25th
One such player is Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Arsenal scouts said to be wowed by the Lille midfielder and ‘enamoured’ with his talent, having put in some very impressive performances so far this season. There may be stiff competition for Bouaddi’s signature, however, as he is on the radar of a number of top European clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In 2023, the youngster broke a record by becoming the youngest player ever to play in a European club competition game, making his debut at 16 years and 3 days old. As the starlet does not turn 18 until October, a move to England is not possible in January, but he could leave Lille at the end of the season.
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One for the future
The young Frenchman has added to his Champions League experience this season, making five appearances in the competition, no mean feat considering he is still just 17 years old. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has given an overview of the maestro’s abilities, saying he is a “midfield controller”, while also likening him to Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and describing him as “fantastic”.
Lille's AyyoubBouaddicelebrates with teammates after the match
Bouaddi is very much one for the future and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal make a move for him at the end of the season, but Arteta’s more pressing concern will be strengthening his squad this January. With Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka now out injured, Arteta may have to strengthen his attacking options heading into the second half of the season, if his side are to have any chance of catching Liverpool.
واصل أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب فريق الكرة بـ الزمالك، الانتظام في التدريبات الجماعية للقلعة البيضاء بعدما تغيب لفترة طويلة.
وتشهد الفترة الأخيرة، أزمة بين اللاعب أحمد سيد زيزو وإدارة الزمالك، بعد علمهم بتوقيع اللاعب للنادي الأهلي.
وحضر أحمد سيد زيزو إلى مقر نادي الزمالك، أول أمس الأحد، لخوض التدريبات، بعد غيابه منذ مباراة ستيلينبوش الجنوب إفريقي في بطولة الكونفدرالية، التي أقيمت يوم 9 أبريل الماضي.
وأفاد مراسل بطولات، أن زيزو يؤدي التدريبات بشكل منفرد على هامش مران الزمالك وذلك لليوم الثالث على التوالي منذ عودته للمران.
ويستعد فريق الزمالك لمواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا المقرر لها يوم الجمعة المقبل ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة لمباريات المرحلة النهائية لمسابقة الدوري المصري.
ويحتل الزمالك حاليًا المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 40 نقطة، خلف بيراميدز المتصدر بـ47 نقطة، والأهلي صاحب المركز الثاني برصيد 46 نقطة.
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has refused to rule out signing Paul Pogba as the French midfielder continues his search for a new club.
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Pogba can return this monthMidfielder still without a clubFresh hope of Marseille moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Pogba will be free to start playing again as of this month after he saw his four-year doping ban cut to 18 months last October, but he remains a free agent since his Juventus contract was terminated shortly after the suspension was cut.
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Marseille had been seen as the frontrunners to sign the ex-Manchester United player, but no deal materialised, with coach Roberto De Zerbi explaining: "Nobody will unbalance my dressing room as long as I am [the] coach."
However, the Ligue 1 club's president has hinted that the 32-year-old could still be brought in as he admitted that there have been talks.
WHAT LONGORIA SAID
"We had the opportunity, there were some conversations, and we've considered this possibility," he told . "Looking to the future, he's obviously a player of an important level, and a name like that on the market is always valuable. Looking ahead, we're focused on the end of the season, and perhaps in three weeks we'll have a clearer vision of the plan. Obviously, a player like that on the market is something to be valued."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR POGBA?
Pogba has not played since September 2023 when he came on as a substitute in a Serie A clash against Empoli before his ban was confirmed. He will hope to get back on the field soon by finding a new team.
When Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag they will have been hoping for a clean takeover, one lacking drama and instead, focused on on-pitch matters.
Ruben Amorim has, at least, chatted a good game but the drama has still been forthcoming.
That’s largely centred around ongoing affairs surrounding Marcus Rashford.
The United winger scored the first goal of the Amorim era but things haven’t all gone his way since that 1-1 draw with Ipswich.
The new manager happened to leave Rashford out of the squad when United defeated their arch-rivals City last weekend and he was left out again for the 4-3 loss against Spurs in the Carabao Cup.
Why? Well, an interview with journalist Henry Winter can’t have helped in midweek where the winger made it clear that he was seeking a new challenge.
So, where could he go? There are a few irons in the fire.
Who Marcus Rashford could sign for
In recent years that have been rumours of a move to PSG but we are yet to get much information on whether the French side would entertain a move at this stage.
However, there are now reports suggesting that Barcelona are an interested party.
According to Football Transfers, the Spanish giants have made contact with the Red Devils regarding a move for the English forward.
They have reportedly admired Rashford for some time now and club president Joan Laporta is keen to jump upon any market opportunity that may emerge in January.
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The report states that Barca would like to sign the player on loan with a view to then acquiring him on a permanent basis, having allegedly lodged a bid of around £35m as part of the deal.
What the move would mean for Man Utd and Rashford
Despite the fact that United look happy to get rid of the attacker in 2025, this would be a seismic deal not just for English football, but for European football too.
The Premier League side would be getting rid of one of the division’s top earners in a dramatic situation that has perhaps escalated far beyond what Amorim would have imagined.
This is the poster boy for the football club but his career has not reached the potential so many thought it would get to.
Only two seasons ago he was producing a campaign in which he registered nearly 40 goal involvements but 2023/24 wasn’t too kind to the England international who scored just eight goals and then missed out on a place at the European Championships.
A fresh move could be what it takes to revive the career of one of the finest talents to come through Carrington.
In truth, it could be a deal akin to David Beckham’s departure in the summer of 2003.
An England great – he headed to Spain in one of the most surprising moves we’ve seen during the last 20 years or so.
Signed for
£25m
Games
159
Goals
20
Assists
51
Minutes played
12,701
Trophies won
1 La Liga (06/07)
Like Rashford, he was an academy boy and was one of the greatest players we saw under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson. However, after a falling out behind the scenes between manager and player, a situation that perhaps echoes the current one at Old Trafford, he sought pastures new.
Beckham never really wanted to leave and if you asked Rashford the same question, he would likely never choose to depart his boyhood club. However, in a situation like this, needs must.
The former England skipper only broadened his profile while in the Spanish capital and very quickly became a global icon. He was a trailblazer for the English game, moving to LaLiga and being part of the famous Galacticos squad of that era.
Rashford, of course, may not be heading for Madrid but Barcelona are just as big and would lay the platform for the English talent to reinvigorate what has been a stuttering career over the last 18 months or so.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Following their confidence-sapping draw away to Fulham over the weekend, Arsenal had the tough task of hosting AS Monaco at the Emirates in the Champions League.
The French giants, who are third in Ligue 1, were level on points with Mikel Arteta’s side going into the encounter, but it would be inaccurate to describe the game as even.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from the Gunners, but they were clearly the better side, and there were a handful of impressive displays from across the starting lineup.
However, while it was a good night overall, there were a few worrying performances, especially from one player who must be dropped for the next game.
Arsenal's best players
Before we get to the negative side of last night, it’s worth examining the positive and those who put in stellar displays for Arsenal, starting with the man of the moment, Bukayo Saka.
The 23-year-old was somewhat quiet in the first 20 minutes or so but found himself in the perfect position to score the hosts’ opener and then did the same late into the second 45 before turning provider for Kai Havertz just a few minutes later.
He wasn’t at his scintillating best, but he was devastatingly effective all the same, which is the hallmark of a genuinely great player – some might even say world-class.
Another Hale Ender who stood out was 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was making his full Champions League debut, but you wouldn’t have guessed from how he played.
The stand-in left-back looked right at home on the European stage, locking off opponents and playing sublime passes into dangerous areas, just as he did for the first goal.
Other notable performers include Jakub Kiwior, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, who were unspectacular but effective and hardly put a foot wrong throughout.
However, while there were plenty of reasons to be happy with how the game went for Arteta and Co, there was one player who was seriously disappointing and should be nowhere near the starting lineup on Saturday.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetabefore the match
The Arsenal star who must be dropped
So, the player in question is, unfortunately, the incredibly talented Gabriel Martinelli, who put in another performance to forget for Arsenal.
Now, the important thing to say is that we know the Brazilian international has it within him to be a world-beater.
His tally of 15 goals and six assists in 46 appearances in the 22/23 season is evidence of that, but since then, the former Ituano gem has looked a shadow of his former self.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second
For example, last season saw the 23-year-old rack up a rather meagre haul of just 13 goal involvements in 44 games, and this year has only been marginally better as he’s scored four goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances.
However, it’s not just his output or lack thereof, that is beginning to worry fans; it’s his lack of impact on games.
For example, the only impact he had during his cameo on Sunday was straying offside for what should have been the winner and then lobbing a ball at the back of Kenny Tete while the team were frantically looking for a winner.
Unfortunately, the Guarulhos-born ace was just as ineffective last night, as he consistently failed to beat his man, missed a golden opportunity, and, if we’re being honest, was incredibly lucky not to be sent off in the first half.
Martinelli’s game in numbers
Minutes
64′
Expected Goals
0.10
Expected Assists
0.03
Shots on Target
0
Shots off Target
1
Dribbles (Successful)
3 (1)
Passing Accuracy
16/20 (80%)
Long Balls (Accurate)
2 (1)
Big Chances Missed
1
Ground Duels (Won)
9 (3)
Aerial Duels (Won)
1 (1)
Lost Possession
7
Fouls
3
Offside
1
All Stats via Sofascore
As content creator Jack Devonport said, it was a complete “horror show” from the winger, and the Standard’s Malik Ouzia was just as unimpressed, awarding him a 5/10 match rating at full-time.
While this all might sound rather harsh, it’s backed up by his statistics, perhaps the most alarming of which is that his 32 touches were fewer than David Raya’s 50, underlining his lack of impact.
In his 64 minutes of action, the 5 foot 10 attacker produced a combined expected goal plus assists figure of just 0.13, failed to take a single shot on target, failed in 66% of his dribbles, made just 16 passes, misplaced 50% of his long balls, missed one big chance, lost six of nine ground duels, lost the ball seven times, committed three fouls and was offside once.
Simply put, it was a really poor showing from Martinelli, and while he could still come good later in the season, he must be dropped for the game against Everton.
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Everton aren’t doing too badly in the Premier League, 16th after 11 matches, but with a gruelling run of fixtures forthcoming in December, there’s every reason for fans to be somewhat concerned.
23/11/24
Brentford
Goodison Park
01/12/24
Man United
Old Trafford
04/12/24
Wolves
Molineux
07/12/24
Liverpool
Goodison Park
14/12/24
Arsenal
Emirates Stadium
22/12/24
Chelsea
Goodison Park
26/12/24
Man City
Etihad Stadium
29/12/24
Nott’m Forest
Goodison Park
Sean Dyche’s appointment was a good one at the midpoint of the 2022/23 season, replacing the beleaguered Frank Lampard, but now, Everton want to take firm-footed steps toward something more significant.
While there are some exciting individual parts at Goodison Park, the turgid style of play is evident, and more inspiration is needed – particularly in the centre of the park.
Everton's midfield issues
PSR hung on Everton’s wall like a disquieting old portrait, beading its eyes into Dyche’s every transfer play. The Toffees had been hit with an eight-point deduction for financial breaches in 2023/24 but managed to avoid the snapping maw of the relegation zone.
And comfortably at that. Praise for Dyche, whose pragmatic and steely style worked a treat in the conditions. Now though, with the club worried about standing still – or stepping backwards, perhaps – there’s a growing sense that his belt will soon unbuckle in the driving seat.
There’s a load of combativeness and grit within Everton’s midfield, but a discernible lack of playmaking quality from the engine room.
Amadou Onana joined Aston Villa in a deal worth £50m, and Tim Iroegbunam and Orel Mangala moved to Goodison Park to patch over for the fresh hole. Both are talented players. However, neither have offered much in the way of creativity this term and have joined a fold lacking such strength anyway.
Has the midfield stepped up a gear? It doesn’t seem so. Creativity is largely fashioned from set-plays, and owing much to the wand-like deliveries of Dwight McNeil.
Everton need more progression from open play, and they must rue the fact that they no longer have Alex Iwobi, who left for Fulham in 2023 but is undoubtedly blessed with a spark that is still missed on Merseyside.
Dyche must rue offloading Alex Iwobi
Last season, Everton played without Iwobi in the mix. Typically a winger, he was shaped into the role of a robust central midfielder during his final season at Goodison Park and it worked wonders, with the Nigeria international scoring twice and setting up nine further goals from a principally central role.
Alex Iwobi playing for Everton
Sofascore record that Iwobi averaged 1.7 key passes per game that year and created eight big chances. It’s worth noting that he was not the Blues’ designated set-piece specialist that year.
His ball-playing skills have only improved for impressive Fulham this year. As per FBref, the 28-year-old ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for passes attempted, the top 26% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, suggesting that he has exactly what is needed over in Dyche’s squad.
To be honest, given that Everton have already enjoyed the height of the dynamic midfielder’s playmaking and energy, it’s hardly as if he wouldn’t have been able to make his mark within the team across the past 14 months.
Iwobi’s ball-playing flair has been so eye-catching for the Cottagers this season that he’s even outperforming everyone in the division for the most passes played into the penalty area in the Premier League this season. In fact, he’s even outperforming every player in Europe’s top five leagues in that regard.
That, indeed, includes the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (21) and Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer (19) both of whom are first-rate goalscorers, but are endowed with a playmaking streak that has borne their outfits through adversity and into differing positions of power – the duo ranking second and third, respectively, in the Premier League for assists this season.
The devoted Everton faithful will be desperate to see their side make headway in the Premier League, but it’s clear that more is needed to outstrip lower-half opponents and slot into the ascendency.
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Despite securing a dramatic late comeback to defeat Bristol City, it wasn’t all good news against the Robins for Sheffield United, who are now sweating over an injury to one star man.
Sheffield United injury news
The Blades couldn’t have enjoyed a more dramatic victory if they tried, having first equalised in the 86th minute through Ryan One’s effort off the bench before then finding a last-gasp winner courtesy of Harrison Burrows in the 98th minute. Moving within a point of Championship leaders Sunderland as a result – albeit with the Black Cats yet to play – Burrows’ winner could prove to be an all important moment.
Looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League, Sheffield United have certainly enjoyed a solid start to the Championship campaign, but injury can quickly derail any season as the festive fixtures prepare to come thick and fast next month. And on that front, the Blades are already sweating over one knock suffered against Bristol.
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As confirmed by Wilder, Sheffield United are now sweating over the injury sustained by Kieffer Moore, with the manager admitting that “it doesn’t look good” to add to any concern. The forward was forced off in the 69th minute and will now undergo tests to discover the severity of his injury.
Up next, Sheffield United square off against rivals Sheffield Wednesday to add to the blow that Moore’s potential injury causes. If the Blades were to pick games for their striker to miss, their local derby would be fairly low on the list.
"Outstanding" Moore brings vital experience
As United look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Moore will be an important figure even if he isn’t the man wheeling away in celebration as much as Wilder would like. The 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience in one of the toughest leagues to escape from and when the festive period arrives, that experience should be relied on if he is, of course, back fit and firing.
Wilder has already been full of praise for the Welshman in the current campaign, telling reporters after recent victory over Blackburn Rovers: “There’s been some noise about Kieffer but when you need someone to play as a No.9 away from home against two powerful centre-halves and lead the line, I thought he was outstanding.
“He won every header and linked it well. There were a couple of times he came to feet and we smashed it at him so there’s no blame there from me.”
Now, the £25,000-a-week striker will hope to have avoided a serious injury and make his return as soon as possible, even if a crucial clash against Sheffield Wednesday does come too soon this weekend.