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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Charlie Nicholas has suggested to Sky Sports that Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin should start for Arsenal against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

What did he say?

Tierney and Bellerin are yet to feature for the Gunners this term, but both returned to first-team training last week as they enter the final stages of their recovery.

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Unai Emery’s side have struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding seven goals in their last three matches.

Nicholas, therefore, wants to see the two full-backs in the side to face last season’s Europa League semi-finalists.

He said: “I would play Kieran Tierney on Thursday and see if Hector Bellerin could start too. Regarding Sunday’s game against Watford, when you see David Luiz giving instructions with 20 minutes to go, you know you are in trouble.”

“Konstantinos Mavropanos is still game time away from being fit. It would be the end if Shkodran Mustafi was to be brought back. We need to get Rob Holding, Bellerin and Tierney back into the side as soon as possible. I would take a hit and play these players to give them game time and let them get match fitness.”

Too soon to risk them

It is, of course, a boost to the north London outfit that the two wide defenders are approaching full fitness, and the former Sevilla boss will be looking to introduce them to the side sooner rather than later. However, it is too early to risk them from the start.

Tierney has been out since June. That is long enough and means that he has not been through a demanding pre-season, but it pales in comparison to the amount of time Bellerin has spent on the sidelines. The 24-year-old ruptured his cruciate ligament in January of this year and has not played since.

They need to be brought back into the fold slowly, and should certainly not be seen as the answer to Emery’s backline woes immediately. After such difficult periods, the last thing they need is too much pressure, both mentally and physically.

Also, a match against Frankfurt is certainly not a fixture that should be seen as an easy match in which to reintroduce them. The German side impressed in Europe last term and are dangerous opposition.

Yes, both players will be needed in the side in the near future. But shouldn’t be thrown in at the deep end on Thursday.

Give them more time, and then utilise them when they are truly ready.

واصل مهاجم أستون فيلا السابق، جابريل أجبونلاهور، انتقاده لمهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، محمود حسن تريزيجيه، بسبب أداءه في المباريات الأخيرة التي شارك بها في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ولعب تريزيجيه آخر مباراتين مع أستون فيلا بالتزامن مع غياب، جاك جريليش، للإصابة في القدم والتي أجبرته على الابتعاد في آخر 5 جولات من البطولة المحلية.

ويرى أجبونلاهور أن تريزيجيه لن يجد مكانًا في التشكيل الأساسي لنادي أستون فيلا بمجرد عودة جريليش مرة أخرى للفريق الإنجليزي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أستون فيلا عن تريزيجيه والمحمدي قبل مواجهة نيوكاسل: فخر الكرة المصرية

وتحدث مهاجم أستون فيلا الأسبق عن رأيه في تصريحات لشبكة “Football Insider” الإنجليزية، وقال: “علينا أن نقدر ما قدمه أنور الغازي حتى الآن مع أستون فيلا، لأنه سجل عددًا لا بأس به من الأهداف هذا الموسم، فهو دائمًا يحاول مساعدة الفريق من أجل الفوز”.

وتابع: “لكن يجب أن تكون هناك وقفة أمام تريزيجيه الذي لم يسجل ولم يصنع منذ فترة طويلة للغاية، حتى برتران تراوري سجل وصنع بعض الأهداف”.

وأضاف: “على تريزيجيه أن يحاول جاهدًا عندما يكون على أرض الملعب، كان مخيبًا للآمال في مباراة نيوكاسل”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “جاك جريليش مُصاب ولا يشارك، إذا لم تنتهز فرصتك عندما يعود لن تجد مكانك في التشكيل الأساسي ولذلك أتمنى أن أرى تطور في المستقبل في مستوى تريزيجيه والمزيد من الإبداع”.

وأتم: “الغازي وتراوري يشكلان خطورة على مرمى المنافسين، لكن تريزيجيه يقوم بالتمرير السهل لذلك فهو بحاجة إلى مزيد من المجهود عندما تتاح له الفرصة”.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has said the Arsenal team “lacked consistency” towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s time at the club, and that the Frenchman was the manager who most “trusted” his players, in his upcoming autobiography, via The Mirror.

What did he say?

The former Germany international joined the Gunners in 2011 and made 221 appearances during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

He retired from football at the end of the 2017/18 season, and his upcoming autobiography, entitled “Per Mertesacker: Big Friendly German”, will be released on 28th September.

In the book, he writes about his time in north London and has spoken about the difficulties encountered towards the end of Wenger’s reign.

The former Werder Bremen defender said: “When we lost one game, we often lost a few in a row. We could show off our class across six FA Cup games, but 38 League matches in 10 months were a different matter. We simply lacked the consistency all top teams need.

“He (Wenger) didn’t lose his nerve during losing streaks, either. He stuck with his convictions and his players, no matter how strong the wind was blowing. It was his greatest strength.

“Wondering whether it was also his greatest weakness and whether he was too lenient with us is, in my opinion, a little too simplistic.

“But Wenger trusted the players he had. I never met another manager who believed more strongly in his squad’s ability.”

How do football vloggers afford to watch their team week in, week out? Find out in the video below…

Wenger’s lack of ruthlessness cost Arsenal

It is certainly interesting to see Mertesacker be critical of the playing staff, and it shows his respect for his former boss that he is willing to shoulder the blame. Certainly, having patience and belief in your players is a trait that a top manager often requires.

However, they also need ruthlessness and conviction and, in the more barren spells of Wenger’s Arsenal career, that was something he often lacked. Players such as Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner, for example, were at the club longer than they should have been.

The greatest managers in history have displayed that win-at-all-costs attitude. Sir Alex Ferguson, for example, moved star players such as Ruud Van Nistelrooy and David Beckham on as soon as he felt they could no longer offer him what he wanted. Even without those names, his Manchester United side continued to be successful.

In the end, Wenger’s lack of ruthlessness cost Arsenal, and saw them lose ground on the best clubs not only in the country but in Europe as a whole. In his last two seasons as manager, he failed to qualify for the Champions League. Had he left the club earlier, perhaps the Gunners could have risen from their slump.

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Lots of Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to praise Sofiane Boufal’s cameo against Brighton on what was his second appearance of the season.

The Morocco international spent the 2018/19 campaign out on loan with Celta Vigo in La Liga and he now faces the challenge of playing his way into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI.

There was talk of the former Lille man leaving the club this summer, with Nice reportedly interested.

But his cameo against the Seagulls was extremely positive and serves to suggest that there could be life in his Southampton career yet.

Boufal played just 11 minutes, but still made one key pass – which turned into an assist – completed two dribbles and was fouled once as the 25-year-old injected life into the game.

After dispelling transfer rumours about himself on his own Twitter account, it appears that Boufal is intent on making an impression this season.

His impact at the Amex Stadium certainly impressed the Saints fans on Twitter, to say the least…

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[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast’s Expert Roundup feature, which provides three quotes from those in the know in order to illuminate fundamental strengths, weaknesses, quirks, kinks, stylistic comparisons and general observations of players, transfer targets and confirmed signings.Having only completed two signings this summer and with the new Premier League season fast approaching, Crystal Palace supporters are waiting eagerly for acquisitions to arrive at Selhurst Park.Stephen Henderson and Jordan Ayew are the only incoming signings that Palace have completed so far and signing additional goalkeeping cover is unlikely to enthuse the masses.That said, it appears that the Eagles are actively pursuing deals. According to the Daily Star, the South London side have had a £20m bid rejected for Chelsea’s Reece James.Palace’s interest in the Chelsea starlet has been reaffirmed by Sky Sports, who say they’re one of several teams interested in signing the 19-year-old.Following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure to Manchester United, Roy Hodgson’s side need a replacement.While both reports state that Chelsea are unwilling to part ways with James, particularly as they’re banned from signing players, transfers are historically unpredictable.But what have those in the know had to say about James’ ability?

Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic manager

“Reece was outstanding and his goal epitomises where he is as a lad. He is so self-confident, and that is backed up by his ability and work ethic. All season he has been showing people that he has a very strong career ahead of him, and we are delighted to be playing a small part in his progression.”

James’ success during his loan move to Wigan Athletic last season is well-documented. During the club’s end of season awards ceremony, the teenager bagged a hat-trick of awards, having been named Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, while also winning Goal of the Season for his wonder strike against Bristol City.

Following that tremendous goal against the Robins, Cook spoke ardently of James’ qualities and his enormous potential, as Sports Mole reported. His work ethic is reflected by the awards he attained, particularly by the recognition he garnered from his teammates – the hallmark of any good player.

Such was the consistency of the Englishman’s performances, he achieved an average score of 7.1 per Championship outing by WhoScored last campaign, and he was named in their best Championship starting eleven for the season. ÂAccordingly, it seems that James would be the ideal replacement for Wan-Bissaka.

Joe Tweedie, Chelsea expert and football writer

“From a defensive standpoint he is incredibly difficult to beat. When you marry his physicality (James has a touch of the Michael Essien’s about him!) with great technique, you have a serious prospect on your hands. In attack, James utilises his previous experience as a winger as well as any fullback in developmental football. Crucially, he is comfortable in every third of the pitch (with and without the ball), and he is notorious for his superb end-product and intelligent link play.â€

Writing for BTL about James’ performances for Chelsea’s youth sides at the end of the 2017/18 season, Tweedie identified the teenager’s multifaceted skill set before his breakthrough season at Wigan. The Chelsea starlet’s displays for the club attest to Tweedie’s glowing assessment.

James played in three different positions (right-back, defensive midfield and centre-back) in the Championship for Wigan last season and excelled in each. The number of positions James has played extends to four when factoring in his displays at youth level, where he occasionally played as a right midfielder for the Blues.

Such intelligence and tactical adaptability could prove invaluable for Crystal Palace. Seldom do you see a homegrown prospect as skilled and justifiably revered as James; indicative of his enormous potential.

English prospects are typically overrated to such a ridiculous extent that they’re preordained to fail from the off, but one senses that the hype surrounding James is entirely vindicated.

Frank Lampard, Chelsea manager

“I think he’s going to be a top player. He’s already a top young player, and I think he’s going to be a top player. It’s great for him to get this opportunity at Wigan, and I notice he’s been player of the month three times in a row which is obviously something! That shows how well he’s playing and how much his development is coming on.

“I did a lot of work with the Academy at Chelsea last year, and I saw a lot of him, trained with him a lot. It was very evident the player he already is – and the player he will hopefully become.â€

More fervent praise was handed to James in December last year by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. Little did we expect that seven months later Lampard would be managing the starlet at Chelsea, and the Blues’ all-time leading scorer acknowledged James’ potential early, as he told Wigan Today.

To have a man of Lampard’s esteemed pedigree and monumental success label you as a “top talent” is conceivably the best praise that any young player could receive. A consensus is forming in these opinions; everyone recognises the 19-year-old’s vast potential.

If Palace are successful in their pursuit of the youngster, the move would signify an excellent long-term investment. Given the unanimous positive appraisal of James’ talent, Palace shouldn’t concede hope of signing him just yet.

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Arsenal have predominantly been linked with new arrivals as we approach the end of the transfer window, but it appears that there could also be at least one outgoing before the deadline passes.

Leeds United were linked with the Gunners’ striker Eddie Nketiah earlier this week, with the Whites hoping that Victor Orta’s relationship with Unai Emery would help them get the deal over the line.

That appears to have been the case, now that David Ornstein is reporting that Nketiah’s travelled to Leeds to agree a season-long loan.

20-year-old Nketiah has so far made 19 appearances for the Emirates outfit, scoring three goals, but it is for the club’s youth squads that he has particularly impressed, scoring 46 in 58 for their various age groups according to Transfermarkt’s records.

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In north London, playing time is unlikely to be frequent this campaign, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him in the pecking order, which is why a loan switch makes sense.

And Gunners fans are clearly happy with the Leeds links, in particular because it will mean the England U20 international will play under legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa. Some supporters have taken to Twitter to share their delight that he will potentially spend next season with “El Loco”, and you can see a few of those comments below.

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Arsenal have had a number of legendary figures as their captain over the years.

The likes of Patrick Vieira, Tony Adams, Thierry Henry, Mikel Arteta have all had the armband and did extremely well in their capacity as the list continues to go on and on.

However, in recent years the Gunners have been crying out for an individual to lead the pack and get things back to how they used to be in north London – on top of the pile and getting their hands on silverware.

Leadership has been a real issue for Arsenal over the years and instead of going down the route of picking one individual to carry the responsibility, Unai Emery decided to give the armband duties to five members of the squad he inherited (Telegraph).

Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny and Granit Xhaka were all picked as players who could carry out the leadership tasks required – but 12 months down the line and the Spaniard needs to have a re-think.

The first two men have since left the club and the following three have all been linked with moves away from the club this summer.

Koscielny has been linked with a switch to Olympique de Lyonnais and reportedly has a two-year deal on the table according to Get French Football News. Ozil’s future is hardly secure after the publicised criticism he has received whilst Xhaka had been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, although it is suggested they could appoint him as the main man to fend that interest off from the Spanish side.

And, in regards to the final man in the trio, the Switerzland international is probably in the best position to become Emery’s main captain next season.

Xhaka has already openly spoken about being handed the role and what it would mean to him by telling Blick (via Metro): “Would I be incredibly proud & like to lead the team as captain? Absolutely, but I try, even without the armband, to be a leader & take responsibility.”

Now, it seems the 26-year-old is already saying the same things, but would he be suited to the role on the pitch when it matters? You bet he would.

Firstly, he has the personality and characteristics necessary to be a captain and the type of leader Arsenal are desperate to have. Never shy, he has a no-nonsense attitude and will tell his team-mates exactly what he needs to in order to make them better and is always seen shouting at them on the pitch. Xhaka has the experience of leading his national side as well, so that should play right into his hands.

Note, we are not comparing their ability here, but he and Vieira are very similar in a positional sense and in regards to their ability to read the game. The Swiss star, who is valued at £40.5million by Transfermarkt, can sit in front of the defence or play slightly further up, putting him in a position of the field where his whole team will be able to hear what he has to say. He also appears to have matured as the years have gone by, although his aggression can let him down at times, which would make him better suited to the role than perhaps others could be.

According to Squawka, Xhaka had some of the better stats in the side with his all-around play as he made the most successful passes (1916) and had the most touches of the ball (2784), whilst he also shone with his defensive duties when required – he was third in the whole squad for making tackles (52) and interceptions (36).

Admittedly, he is error-prone and does have a bit of a hot-head at times, however, with the options that Emery currently has at his disposal, perhaps there are not many better than Xhaka at the club at the present moment.

Arsenal fans, do you think Xhaka could be the next main captain for the club? Let us know your thoughts below!

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Jack Clarke’s move to Tottenham has finally happened, but the deal has also seen him return to his former club on loan.

The 18-year-old will be spending another season at Elland Road, but after starting just four games last term will he get more opportunities under Marcelo Bielsa?

Winger options

With the arrivals of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa, Leeds’ wide areas are now somewhat oversaturated. Realistically, the Whites have four senior players who could be ahead of Clarke in the pecking order in Costa, Harrison, Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez.

All four of these players have more experience than Clarke and other than Costa they contributed to more goals than the 18-year-old last season.

Will he start?

There may simply be too much depth in these positions for the Spurs loanee to be seen as a starter.

Harrison was Bielsa’s preferred option last term as he made 39 appearances, and there is an argument to be made that Alioksi is even better than the Man City man.

On the right-wing, you have last season’s Player of the Year, and a man who has put up some extraordinary numbers when playing in the Championship.

For these reasons, it’s hard to see the teenager playing any role other than the one he played last season where he was a bit-part player.

Being signed by the Champions League runners-up shows that Clarke is a highly-rated player with a bright future, but it’s tough to see Bielsa trusting him with a regular starting role due to his lack of experience.

Fortunately for the youngster, he is a fantastic option from the bench having made 20 substitute appearances last season, and Bielsa won’t hesitate to use him in that way once again for the upcoming campaign.

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According to an exclusive from TEAMTalk, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton have asked Juventus about starlet striker and Englishman Stephy Mavididi.

What’s the word, then?

The report claims that the Saints are one of nine clubs to have enquired about taking the 21-year-old on loan for the 2019/2020 campaign.

The others – Everton, Newcastle United, Burnley, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Derby County, Fulham and Middlesbrough – all hail from either the Premier League or the Championship.

Mavididi started his career with Arsenal back in his native land enjoying loans at Preston North End and Charlton Athletic twice as he progressed through the ranks before the Old Lady came calling last summer to take him to Italy on a permanent basis. He has made 18 appearances for England youth in the under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-20 sides.

Ideal for Hasenhuttl’s style

Ever since Hasenhuttl took over at St Mary’s just before the turn of the year, the Saints’ style of play has transformed into an exciting, high-pressing one.

The Austrian must look for players who fit into that ideology this summer and Mavididi is ideal in this regard, having been subjected to the Juve philosophy for a whole season now.

The Italian giants were one of the original teams to use this pressing preference and it’s something they still do to great effect today, with their strikers being taught to strangle the defenders.

Southampton’s new man Moussa Djenepo divides opinion amongst fans in the video below…

But you can do well what the manager tells you to as much as you want but if you don’t have the quality and the pedigree, then it’s pointless.

And that’s perhaps the major concern over the attacking hotshot. Would he really be able to challenge Danny Ings to start up front having only netted six times in Serie C for his current club’s under-23s last term?

Well, Max Allegri did see fair to give Mavididi his senior Juventus debut at the back end of the 2018/2019 campaign and if it turns out that he’s not good enough for the Premier League, then the Saints will have lost nothing with Mavididi only on loan until the end of the season.

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Ben Davies appears ready to play through the pain barrier for Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final after confirming that he will have surgery after this weekend’s clash with Liverpool, per BBC Sport.

What’s the word?

The left-back is set to miss Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifiers against Croatia and Hungary due to a hernia operation.

The report claims that Davies has struggled with “pain” all season and that surgery is the only course of action to correct the issue.

It appears that he is prepared to play through the problem on Saturday, however, as Spurs attempt to win the European competition for the first time in their history.

Davies has made a total of 40 appearances in all competitions for Mauricio Pochettino’s men but it remains to be seen if he will be utilised in the final, with Danny Rose seeming to have made the left-back spot his own.

Rose started both legs against Ajax and Manchester City in the last-four and the last-eight respectively; Davies played a combined 27 minutes across the four games.

Impressive loyalty

This is impressive from Davies, who is valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt, especially given that he is perhaps unlikely to actually start the game.

Rose, on form, is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League but Davies has been a diligent back-up and is often trusted by his manager in major outings.

And it appears that team unity comes first and Davies’ participation in training and his presence on the bench will be vital to the club’s preparation.

This is Spurs’ biggest game in their history and they need all hands on deck, whether they will play 90 minutes or 30 seconds.

Davies understands that and has put Spurs first; that can only be admired.