[ad_pod ]

Everton are crying out for a leader in the heart of defence, and Jamaal Lascelles’ latest interview suggests he could be the perfect transfer target.

Why do they need him?

Well, Everton have signed three centre backs in the last 18 months, adding Michael Keane in 2017 before signing both Yerry Mina and Kurt Zouma last summer.

While Zouma is only at the club on loan, it is clear that Marcel Brands and Marco Silva have identified the defence as an area that needs massive improvement, but their big problem at the moment is they don’t have a leader.

With Phil Jagielka coming to the end of his reign in the heart of the Toffees’ defence, Silva and Brands must look for leadership qualities in the transfer market above all else, and Lascelles has been linked with a move to Merseyside before.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

What has he said?

Lascelles was visibly furious with Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on Monday night, as the pair clashed after Dubravka’s error gifted Wolves a late equaliser.

Speaking with Sky Sports about the incident, the Magpies skipper said: “On the pitch there and then, I was just angry with everything.

“It wasn’t necessarily to do with him, it was just to do with everything. They scored at that minute but when I looked back at it, it was as clear as anything that it was a foul.

“So I apologised to him and I shouldn’t really be doing that to him. I hold my hands up but at the same time I’ve got a job to do.

“I haven’t got the armband because I’m technically the best or gifted. It’s because I’m honest and I’m hard-working. I won’t change in that aspect.”

The perfect leader?

Lascelles touched on three things there that Everton simply don’t have at the moment – anger, honesty and work ethic.

Lascelles may not be the best centre back at Newcastle, and in fact he may not even be the second or third-best given how well Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez have played this season, but this sort of commanding leadership does not come around too often.

The 25 year-old is brutally honest, extremely passionate and hard-working, and will give his life for the fans who support him and his teammates around him.

This is exactly the attitude currently missing to give a talented Everton squad that killer instinct needed to kick on to the next level, and the Toffees should absolutely re-visit their interest in Lascelles this summer.

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool moved back into top spot in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon following their 0-0 draw against Manchester United, but there weren’t too many positives to draw from the game for Jurgen Klopp.

What’s the word?

The Reds once again struggled to discover their electric touch at the weekend. A meek attacking performance from a typically devastating front three ensured a quiet afternoon for David De Gea, but Alisson had to stay fully alert to keep his side level.

United also struggled to create clear cut opportunities throughout the game, but a clever through ball from Romelu Lukaku appeared to have opened the door for Jesse Lingard to break the deadlock in the first-half.

However, just as the England international looked set to round Liverpool’s stopper and tap into an empty net, Alisson stretched out his arm to intercept the ball and save what looked a certain goal.

It was a game-defining moment which enabled the visitors to clinch a point, and BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks was eager to pay tribute to the Brazilian for his save in his team of the week column.

‘The save by Alisson as Jesse Lingard tried to take the ball around the Brazil international was a game-changer at Old Trafford.’

Crooks went on to add: ‘Liverpool went top of the table on Sunday all because of Alisson’s moment of sheer brilliance.’

Alisson could match Premier League’s best

Liverpool’s number one has been in inspired form since he arrived at Anfield from Roma in the summer and his latest showing will only serve to enhance his growing reputation amongst the supporters.

In tightly-contested fixtures it’s imperative that goalkeepers remain alert during spells when their services are effectively redundant, and Alisson proved that he possesses an elite level of concentration by anticipating Lingard’s attempt to dribble past him.

It was a moment of pure genius which is typically reserved for the top players in world football and, if he continues to showcase that level of quality between the sticks, there is no doubt he can establish himself on a level with David De Gea and Ederson in the coming years.

[ad_pod ]

Everton U23 manager David Unsworth was full of praise for striker Bassala Sambou following his performance and goal in his side’s 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers on Monday night, and his comments to evertonfc.com suggest that the 21-year-old is ready-made to thrive in the first team.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the impressive attacker took his goal tally for the season for the U23s to nine with an unstoppable strike against Rovers, after the ball had been teed up for him just outside the penalty area by teammate Fraser Hornby.

It was the youngster’s seventh PL2 goal of the campaign and probably his most impressive, and he received plenty of praise from his boss post-match.

Speaking to evertonfc.com, Unsworth said: “It was fantastic strike.

“He worked his socks off tonight and he gives us so much. He gets us on the front foot and we like to press from the front.”

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

Ready for the first team?

He might well be.

The Merseyside outfit’s season appears to be petering out with a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League all they realistically have to play for now, and it could give manager Marco Silva an opportunity to blood some youngsters in the remaining 12 top flight fixtures.

One of the positions they have struggled with most is striker, where Richarlison has often filled in despite it not being his natural position as Cenk Tosun continues to struggle to adapt to English football.

The fact that Sambou is explosive and willing to press from the front suggest that he would be ideally suited to playing up top in a Silva side, and Unsworth may have just sent a message to the Portuguese coach that the 21-year-old is ready for action.

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for an all-important Premier League clash with bitter rivals Manchester United. Victory will see the Reds pull clear at the top of the table, with Manchester City engaged in Carabao Cup action elsewhere.

Defeat, however, would dent the Anfield club’s title hopes and could turn the tide of the battle in the favour of the reigning champions. Whatever the outcome, the psychological impact of the result of Sunday’s match could be season-defining for Liverpool.

With the stakes so high, Jurgen Klopp will be desperate for victory. Success will not come easily though. The Red Devils have been in fine form since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment. The Norwegian coach has revitalised the club, as evidenced by the seismic improvement in star man Paul Pogba’s form.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

If Liverpool are to stand any chance of victory on Sunday, then Klopp must find a way to stop the 25-year-old midfielder. Football FanCast outline three suggestions below…

Man-marking him

The obvious solution is to try and take the Frenchman out of the game by tasking one man with the job of marking and tracking him relentlessly throughout the 90 minutes. Either Fabinho or Jordan Henderson would be well-suited to this task. The Brazilian would certainly be a physical match for Pogba. 

By tasking Fabinho with restricting Pogba, the French midfielder may find his ability to find space and influence the game limited. This could lead to him getting frustrated – he was sent off against PSG last week – or even taken off by Solskjaer in order to try a different approach.

Cutting off the supply lines

An alternative, but potentially equally effective, method of restricting Pogba’s ability to assert his control is by cutting off the supply lines to the 64-cap France international. Solskjaer’s side know that the World Cup winner is their key man, so they naturally try to get him on the ball as often as possible. Pogba’s midfield partners, such as Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic, will constantly be looking for the former Juventus man.

However, Liverpool can make picking out Pogba an arduous task. By closing down and harrying the man on the ball, and cutting off passing lanes to Pogba, Liverpool can force the United players to have to find an alternative option to giving the ball to the 6’3” midfielder.

Structurally, that could come in the form of, simply, three flat central midfielders who position themselves between Herrera, Matic and the space between the lines that Pogba likes to occupy.

Crowding him out

A more industrial approach to stopping Pogba would be to use raw physicality to impede him. This doesn’t just mean cynical, tactical fouling – though, that’s certainly a part of it – but by crowding the Frenchman out, consistently jostling him, and generally never giving him an inch to establish command over the midfielder.

However, this is a risky strategy. If executed clumsily it can lead to cards being shown and dangerous set piece situations being conceded. There’s also a danger of Pogba beating the press, which will inevitably leave gaps throughout the rest of the team.

Returning Joe Gomez will provide the solidity needed for Liverpool to push on and seize the title from current champions Manchester City

Out-of-form Liverpool have been relatively poor in recent weeks, but fans may find some solace in the fact that long-term absentee Joe Gomez is expected to return to the squad soon, meaning Jurgen Klopp has no major injuries to content with in the title run-in (as per Daily Mail).

A major injury sustained in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley has seen Gomez on the side line since early December.

Prior to his absence Gomez had developed a formidable partnership with Netherlands international and world-class talent Virgil van Dijk, helping Liverpool towards a remarkable record of only five goals conceded in 15 games.

Since then Liverpool have conceded eight in 14 and have seen their form dip dramatically, throwing away a commanding lead at the top of the table.

For us, Gomez’s return to the first-team is as much a symbolic boost as it is a tangible one.

Yes, he is a quality player who will sure up his side’s defensive efforts, but his return means much more than that; it marks the end of their injury problems.

It is a major morale boost for the team – which is something they are evidently low on at the moment.

If Klopp is the tactician and exceptional man manager he is made out to be, he will use this opportunity to boost his players: balance has been restored.

Klopp will be hoping that, with the foundations of his squad now fully fit and raring to go, Liverpool will have more confidence in the forward positions where things have become a little lethargic and anxious.

Liverpool fans, do you think Joe Gomez returning is exactly what you need to win the title? Let us know in the comments below…

[ad_pod ]

Unai Emery has continued Arsenal’s tradition of blooding in the next generation of academy talent into the senior squad, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of that policy so far.

What’s the word?

Arsenal were in thoroughly professional form against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon as they clinched a 2-0 victory to move back into the top-four.

It was a complete team performance littered with fine individual displays, and BBC pundit Garth Crooks was eager to pay tribute to two players in his team of the week column, namely Maitland-Niles and Sokratis.

The former Ipswich loanee started the game at right-wing-back and put in an accomplished display to help nullify the threat offered by Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, and Crooks claimed that he cut a significantly more mature figure than the one who struggled to cope with big games earlier in the season.

‘I’ve seen Ainsley Maitland-Niles play in big games before and struggle but not on this occasion. His performance against a leggy Manchester United showed signs of a player maturing nicely.

‘He looked solid in defence and always very composed on the ball. I get the feeling that Unai Emery may have put the reins on this lad and possibly the blinkers too.’

A player transformed by Emery?

The first thing to note about the 21-year-old’s development under Emery is the position in which he has been deployed. Arsene Wenger utilised the prodigy’s versatility and deployed him in a handful of different midfield and defensive roles, but the Spaniard has been consistent in playing him on the right.

So far that new sense of clarity regarding where Maitland-Niles’ role in the team lies seems to have stimulated an improvement in the player’s understanding of what is expected of him and how it correlates to the players around him.

As Crooks has alluded to, the England under-21 international has looked composed and solid this season, and that is largely down to Emery’s decision to hand him a clearly defined role within the side.

And, if he continues to match the level of performance he showed against United on Sunday, there is no doubt he can step up another level and establish himself as a regular in the starting XI in 2019.

تحدث لويس إنريكي المدير الفني للمنتخب الإسباني، في مؤتمر صحفي عن مواجهات الفريق المقبلة.

إسبانيا تستعد هذا الشهر لملاقاة البرتغال وديًا يوم 7 أكتوبر، ويوم 10 من الشهر ذاته تلاقي سويسرا في دوري الأمم الأوروبية، ويوم 13 تواجه أوكرانيا بنفس البطولة.

وأشاد إنريكي بأنسو فاتي، لاعب برشلونة الشاب، وقال في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: يمتلك فاتي صفات فنية مميزة، ولكن قراءته للمباراة هو ما يجعله مختلفا”.

وأضاف: “لديه رأسية ممتازة على الرغم من صغر حجمه، يعرف مسؤولياته مع الكرة وبدونها، يعرف كيف يلعب مع زملائه في الفريق”.

وأردف إنريكي: “الأمر ليس اعتياديًا حين نتحدث عن لاعب بعمر 17 عامًا، هدفنا هو الحفاظ على تطوره، مهمتنا أيضًا حمايته خاصة حين يتم الثناء عليه وكيف يتعامل مع هذا الأمر”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بـ لوحة سيارة.. فيديو | إنريكي يُعلن قائمة إسبانيا لمباراتي البرتغال وأوكرانيا

وعندما سئل عما إذا كان يعتقد أنه وريث ميسي في برشلونة، أجاب إنريكي: “أنسو فاتي هو وريث أنسو فاتي، هو لم يبلغ الكثير من العمر بعد، عليك أن تنظر إلى نفسك وتعمل بتواضع، إنه في مكان رائع مثل برشلونة لينمو”.

وعن برشلونة تحت قيادة رونالد كومان، أكد إنريكي: “هذه أخبار جيدة، البارسا في مرحلة إعادة الهيكلة مع لاعبين شباب جيدين للغاية ويسعدني أن أراهم يتنافسون في بيئة خاصة ونادي، ولكن أيضًا الأمر صعب للغاية”.

وأتم بشأن إصابة داني كارفاخال: “هذه أنباء غير سارة، من الواضح أن الأندية تريد حماية لاعبيها، لم أتلق أي ضغط أو مكالمات منعتني من استدعاء أي لاعب”. 

[ad_pod ]

Football FanCast recently exclusively revealed that Liverpool are still interested in signing West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini.

The Hammers’ attacking midfielder certainly has plenty to offer the Reds and could thrive at Anfield. However, the 26-year-old, who recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off, has hinted that his future remains at the London Stadium.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

What he said

The four-cap Argentina international told the Irons’ official website: “We have many good things to work for in the future and I am looking forward to playing for Mister Pellegrini and his staff. We have a very strong squad here and hopefully we can achieve good things this season and in the next seasons…I am sure the best is yet to come.”

The No. 10 has been with the east London club since 2015, and has made over 100 appearances for the Hammers in that time. Prior to his serious injury, the attacker was in fine form and had played his way into Argentina’s preliminary World Cup squad.

Interest from others

Back in June 2018 it was reported by The Telegraph that Liverpool were considering Lanzini as a potential transfer target. Now their interest may be being rekindled as the Reds continue to monitor the West Ham man’s situation. 

However, West Ham fans ought to be able to take heart from Lanzini’s comments that suggest that the Argentine remains committed to the club and working with Pellegrini. It’s certainly vital that the Irons do all they can to keep Lanzini at the club as he is one of their most talented creators and is well loved by the fans.

[ad_pod ]

West Ham United spent heavily in the last summer transfer window, following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini. The likes of Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Lukasz Fabianski and Issa Diop have added genuine quality to the squad at the London Stadium.

However, the Hammers still have plenty of deadwood to shift out. For various reasons, the futures of Winston Reid, Arthur Masuaku and Andy Carroll should all be under consideration. Carroll’s current contract with the Irons is actually due to expire at the end of this season, which offers the east London club a golden opportunity to get the injury-prone 30-year-old forward off their books in a hassle-free manner.

However, in December, Pellegrini offered Carroll a lifeline, saying “when you need to renew your contract, of course you must demonstrate why you need to renew…We know what Andy can give to our team, now he must demonstrate he is able to do it week by week…I hope that he will be able to do it”, as quoted by Sky Sports.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

In the same month, Carroll reiterated to talkSPORT his desire to stay in Stratford, “I am focused on staying here and that’s where my head is at.” He has subsequently featured regularly for the first team in the early months of 2019.

To even seriously entertain the notion of offering the 9-cap England international new terms would be a mistake on West Ham’s part. Instead, they must already be seeking an upgrade on the 6’4” striker to bring in this summer.

Why he has to go

Injuries have ravaged Carroll’s career. Since joining West Ham from Liverpool in 2012, the attacker has managed just 141 appearances for the club in all competitions in the subsequent six-and-a-half seasons.

According to Spotrac, Carroll is currently being paid £90,000-a-week. That is a huge amount to be paying a player who is so infrequently available. At this stage in his career, his fitness concerns are not going to lessen either. 

When he has got on the pitch this season, Carroll has looked a shadow of his former self. What pace he had has gone, and he has been left so fragile and bereft of confidence that he has been unable to compete physically with the effectiveness his stature suggests he should have.

Time is up for Carroll at West Ham, and the club must recognise that now.

يلتقي فريق ريال مدريد سابع ترتيب الدوري الإسباني، نظيره بلد الوليد، اليوم الأربعاء 30 سبتمبر، بمنافسات الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2020/2021.

طالع موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وبلد الوليد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

ريال مدريد خاض مباراتين في الليجا، أمام ريال سوسيداد وريال بيتيس، تعثر في الأولى وانتصر في الثانية بشق الأنفس، وتم تأجيل مباراته في الجولة الأولى.

زين الدين زيدان، المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد، أعلن قائمة اللوس بلانكوس، والتي شهدت عودة النجم البلجيكي إيدين هازارد بعد تعافيه من الإصابة، إلى جانب البرازيلي مارسيلو مدافع الفريق.

تعرف على معلق مباراة ريال مدريد وبلد الوليد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام بلد الوليد

حراسة المرمى: كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: مارسيلو، راموس، فاران، كارفاخال.

خط الوسط: مودريتش، كاسيميرو، فالفيردي، إيسكو.

خط الهجوم: كريم بنزيما، فينيسيوس جونيور.

ويُمكنكم مُطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة على مركز المباريات من هنا.