All posts by z3u9t.icu

Pontus Jansson’s injury appears to have come at a fortunate time for Leeds United, given the international break which is set to commence with Euro 2020 qualifiers this week.

Leeds United confirmed on Monday morning that Jansson had to withdraw from the Swedish squad due to a knee injury he suffered against Sheffield United on Saturday and will begin rehab at the club this week. Indeed, the 28-year-old is expected to be sidelined for no more than three weeks, meaning he won’t miss a lot of Championship action given the international break.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa would be a relieved man after Jansson was forced to play both striker and goalkeeper against the Blades on Saturday, while carrying the knee injury. Jansson was unable to be substituted for treatment, because the Whites had used all of their allowed three bench players and he was forced to move to striker due to his inability to move freely.

The former Torino player than had to go in-goal after Kiko Casilla was red carded in stoppage time, certainly making it an eventful day at Elland Road.

Fortunately, Jansson only had to see out the game for a short period of time before the final whistle blew.

The international break now gives the defender – who everyone will agree is beyond crucial on his day – a good period to make a proper recovery before the club’s next match against Millwall at the end of the month.

But, Jansson could still be busy with his rehab that stage and his Argentine coach will be hoping he could be ready for the trip to Birmingham City early in April. The loss against Sheffield United have seen Leeds slip to third on the Championship table and given how good and consistent Jansson has been this season, Bielsa would need him back as soon as possible if Leeds were to secure automatic qualification to the Premier League next season.

Norwich City currently occupy first spot on the league table with a four-point gap over Sheffield and don’t look likely to give their place as leaders away.

Leeds need all the boosts they can get at this point and, strangely, an injury to one of their best players at the right time might actually be a good thing.

Leeds United fans, how likely is it you think you’ll be going up? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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J’Neil Bennett is destined to be the answer to countless pub quiz questions over the next decade and beyond.

The Tottenham Under-18 winger scored the first goal at the club’s new stadium, against Southampton, in front of a crowd of over 25,000 at the weekend.

As the curtain rose on a piece of genuine architectural brilliance, Bennett and his teenage team-mates were not overawed by the occasion.

A former academy kid at QPR, Bennett scored the first goal, a peach, as he cut in from the left flank and curled a fine strike beyond the opposition goalkeeper.

A chant soon rang out, a familiar refrain: “J’Neil Bennett, he’s one of our own”.

Regardless of his future and how his Spurs career pans out, he has etched his name forever in the club’s folklore. He has that most unique piece of history, it will never be taken away from him and it will never be repeated.

But who exactly is the teenager that scored the goal befitting of a glorious stadium opening?

Born just six miles from the stadium, Bennett began his career in west London, playing for QPR.

But a switch to Spurs has seen him show some genuine talent and there is evidence that he could well become a first-team player in time.

During his time with the Under-18s, he has been prolific, playing predominantly on the left flank.

This season alone, he has scored seven goals in 10 games, including the brilliant strike against the Saints.

He has been capped twice by England at Under-18 level and has also played for Spurs at Under-19 and Under-23 level.

Quite clearly, Bennett is highly-rated in north London and the hope is that he could one day make the step into Pochettino’s starting XI.

Indeed, he is also adept at playing through the middle as a centre-forward and did just that in the second game of the Under-18 season, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 thumping of Swansea.

Spurs’ Under-18 side are currently second in the Premier League U18 South but have yet to lose a game – they have won 15 and drawn two. They are just one point behind Arsenal and have a game in hand.

With Bennett in the team, they could well win some prestigious silverware this term and cap an unbeaten season.

And even if they do, it won’t be Bennett’s most remarkable achievement of the season.

Aston Villa have completely reinvented themselves in recent weeks and now have a brilliant chance of achieving promotion back into the Premier League, against all the odds.

Because of their poor run of form initially under Dean Smith, any kind of success was deemed highly unlikely until now. So, as you Villains will know, with a string of impressive performances, you are now looking a formidable obstacle for any team in the Championship to overcome, which leaves you with a good chance in the play-offs, should they keep their place in the top six.

There are plenty of games that could still be won or lost so Dean Smith must ensure his players are performing to the best of their capabilities.

Of course, changing the team around won’t be high on his agenda, preferring to stick with his trusted options but utilising Andre Green could transpire to be a very good idea. Green, (who is valued at £900k on Transfermarkt) is clearly a talented youngster that has all the ability to make it far in the game.

Despite his time on the South Coast with Portsmouth not being as successful as he and others would have hoped, Dean Smith saw fit to bring him back to Villa Park as another option out wide. Obviously, there’s a player in there somewhere and the amount of trust shown in him is hugely refreshing.

Whilst having only made three starts in the Championship, it has to be remembered that Andre Green is still just 20-years-old, therefore meaning he has plenty of time to make his mark in the game. Even the most ardent Villa fan would surely agree that Villa Park can be a scary place when things aren’t going well, so it’s important he’s afforded time.

Aston Villa fans have liked what they have seen of him upon his return to Villa Park and it should lead to him getting more game-time towards the end of this season and into next.

Villa fans, do you agree that Andre Green is someone Dean Smith should consider using more… Let us know!

With yet another Old Firm victory under their belt, Celtic are cruising towards lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy once again this season, which is still a top achievement that fans are very proud of. 10 in a row is on, guys. It really is. 

Clearly, it has been a very topsy turvy season but Celtic have already claimed one piece of silverware, that will surely at least, be joined with one other trophy come the end of the season. Neil Lennon – whether he’s there next season or not – has so far done a good job in keeping everything ticking over at Celtic Park although the summer could incite a number of changes at the club.

With a new permanent manager waiting to take to the hot seat and a host of new players to follow him in after, it could be a very exciting campaign for Celtic next season. One player who certainly oozes quality and would be influential signing for the Hoops is Mexico international Edson Alvarez.

Alvarez, (who is valued at £6.7 million on Transfermarkt) is a versatile player that would do wonders for a team like Celtic, who were linked with by the Scottish Sun.

The 21-year-old is without a doubt one of the most promising young players in Mexico and now he even operates as a defensive-midfielder, a position he has also thrived in. Scott Brown – much as you all love him – can’t go on forever and a succession plan must be made.

Edson Alvarez operates with real confidence and has fantastic attributes that could make him a good centre-back or defensive-midfielder for Celtic. Indeed, he’s exactly the kind of player Paradise would love.

Equally, his position may be decided based on who leaves Celtic Park this summer although his performances for Mexico in the 2018 World Cup presented his top-level passing ability and general ability to get around the pitch, which could suggest Celtic would benefit from playing him in midfield.

Do you agree that the Mexican international would make a good signing? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Tomorrow sees the Edinburgh derby take place at Tynecastle, with the hosts knowing that a win against their arch-rivals will put them — temporarily at least — within two points of a Europa League spot.

Equally important, will be the four-point gap they will open up over their noisy neighbours, ahead of the division split which happens after this weekend’s round of matches.

With their remaining games — apart from the clashes against the top two — all against their direct rivals, as it is for the others too, the opportunity to put daylight between themselves and Hibs in sixth, will effectively mean the Europa League chase is between just three teams, albeit for just one likely remaining spot.

But manager, Craig Levein, is already looking towards summer recruitment, in a bid to make sure they can ensure a top three finish next season, in a less frantic way.

The former national team manager knows that he needs to be able to break teams down when they allow Hearts to come on to them, and to do that, he needs to bring in players with an eye for a magic pass, and who can create something from nothing.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “It does seem to be that we are better in the games in which teams will have a go at us. It’s harder when the opposition sit in and we have to make the running. That’s something which is really interesting for me for next season.

“We can do both things, which I think we’ll need to do next season. I think we need more creativity in the last third. I think we have players who can do that but we aren’t doing it as regularly as we need to do it. We could do with another couple of creative players in the final third.

Levein’s summer shopping has already started, with Livingston central defender, Craig Halkett, penning an agreement to join Levein, which will become official when his current contract expires at the end of June.

The prospect of bringing some flair to the side should excite fans, and although they are still in the Scottish Cup and fighting for that Europa League spot this season, next year could be one for Hearts fans to savour.

What are your thoughts on the job Craig Levein has done this season? Can they reach the top three this year, starting with a win over rivals Hibs tomorrow? Let us know your thoughts…

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Ronald de Boer has given a rather bizarre outlook on Rangers’ revamp, claiming the Gers do not need to be in a rush for silverware.

Rangers will almost certainly end this season with no trophies, as Steven Gerrard has endured an up and down debut campaign in senior management.

The Old Firm win in December and enjoyable run through the Europa League qualification stages will no doubt be looked back on as the highs of the campaign, while the recent defeat to Celtic and poor run of form that basically decided the title in March are definitely low points.

De Boer though, has claimed that titles shouldn’t be the only thing on the club’s mind, urging the Gers and Gerrard to focus on one thing – developing youth players.

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…

What has he said?

“I am in favour of giving the kids time,” he said, as reported by The Evening Times.

“Rangers shouldn’t think they have to challenge Celtic right away. At the end of the day, when you bring through your own players your club will be so healthy. It is also great for the fans to have local boys in their team. That is something special.

“If you put a lot of money into the youth system like we do at Ajax then in the end you will get the results. When that is working properly, when you have good youth coaches, then you will always be a very healthy club.

“I think Rangers should look to do it more and not just focus on signing players for the first team. It always starts with the foundation and the pillars of success are the youth.”

Verdict

De Boer joined Rangers in 2000, linking up with a number of Dutch talents at Ibrox including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Fernando Ricksen. He spent four years with the club, winning a league title and three domestic cups.

Therefore, he should fully understand the immense pressure that comes with wearing the famous blue, but it appears he doesn’t.

While he may be correct to point out that the likes of Ross McCrorie and Glenn Middleton need more playing time with the first team, he is dead wrong about the need for silverware.

Celtic’s squad is ageing and the Bhoys are in need of a bit of a revamp over the next couple of transfer windows. The Gers will never have a better opportunity to seize back the crown of Scottish football, and putting success lower down on the priority list is just not what this club does.

De Boer’s comments aren’t stupid by any means by they are misguided and perhaps a little naive. Sorry Ronald.

There’s no denying of Roberto Firmino’s importance in Liverpool’s attacking structure right now.

The Brazilian often works the hardest to win back possession, create moves and also be on the finishing end of them. Truly an amazing forward and someone so clearly embedded into the Jurgen Klopp way.

Replicating last season’s heroics, Firmino’s been in stellar form this season as well. He’s supported Mo Salah and Sadio Mane perfectly, playing according to their strengths, while often sacrificing his own selfish desires and it’s easy to see why the Kop love him every so much.

Still, the Reds could do with another striker. Someone to come on and offer that predatory touch, a signing in that mould would pretty much complete their attack.

According to comments from Ian McGarry on the latest episode of the Transfer Window Podcast (via Daily Star), the Reds are closing in on agreeing a deal for German sensation Timo Werner. Hugely, hugely exciting for everyone at Anfield.

Indeed, Werner’s netted 14 goals so far for RB Leipzig this season, but it’s his overall game which suits Liverpool’s style.

While he might not be as persistent as Firmino, the 23-year-old’s definitely more clinical in front of goal. His impressive ability to link-up with those around him, work the ball into the box and take chances in around the penalty area makes him an asset for Liverpool’s system.

He’s averaging 3.7 shots per game along with 1.2 key passes (stats via WhoScored) which highlight his influence going forward. Though the likes of Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge have had their moments when coming off the bench to support the attack, Werner is pretty much a complete upgrade on those two.

Werner’s closely reaching his peak, making him primed to be the ruthless striker to continue Klopp’s heavy-metal football for the long-term. Firmino might be indispensable right now, but the 23-year-old German’s the one to take his mantle and become Liverpool’s next striking genius.

Liverpool fans, would you want Werner to be Firmino’s long-term replacement? Join the discussion by commenting below…

As the season progresses, it becomes more and more apparent that the Premier League really messed up by not introducing VAR at the start of the campaign.

This weekend alone saw controversial penalty calls, Sean Dyche question why VAR hasn’t been introduced as far back as the 1990s, and West Ham yet again losing important points due to another poor mistake from the officials.

Lucas Perez was denied a perfectly good goal in the 90th minute when the former Arsenal striker was flagged for offside after beating the offside trap, rounded Kasper Schmeichel, and tapped the ball into an empty net, however, replays showed that the Spaniard was actually onside, and West Ham were once again done over by the lack of VAR.

Harvey Barnes would go on to score a stoppage-time equaliser moments later, further adding to West Ham’s misery and causing more outrage from fans.

There’s a good case to make that if VAR was introduced this season, West Ham would have been one of the teams to benefit massively from it.

We have seen countless times this season the Hammers be on the wrong side of poor officiating, from James Milner being offside in the build-up to Sadio Mane’s goal in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manuel Pellegrini’s side to Manchester United being award two very debatable penalties in their 2-1 win over the east London team last week.

VAR should have been introduced this season and the lack of the technology has seen West Ham suffer more than most clubs, but next campaign will see the Hammers finally have the calls and decisions that usually go against them be overturned, which will more than make up the points for Pellegrini’s team.

West Ham fans, how beneficial will VAR be for the Hammers next season? Let us know!

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According to reports in the Daily Mail, Sheffield United are ready to make Gary Madine a permanent fixture at Bramall Lane in the Premier League.

The Cardiff City loanee has been brilliant since joining the Blades in January but should the Yorkshire club keep him beyond this season?

Good for the Championship

Madine is undoubtedly one of the best forwards available to clubs in the second tier.

His game is dynamic as he can be deployed as both a target man and a poacher, he has fantastic hold-up play but also possesses a decent scoring record when used as the main striking threat.

During his last season at Bolton, the striker netted 10 times in the league but the goals dried up when he moved to Cardiff.

A loan spell to United followed, and despite only netting three goals, the 28-year-old has been seen as a handy player up top.

Lack of ambition

If this move is a sign of things to come for Sheffield United in the next season, then their fans should be anxious.

Although Madine has enjoyed a good spell at the Lane so far, he isn’t good enough to make an impact in the top flight.

Perhaps this move suggests that the funds aren’t there or that the Yorkshire club are making an early insurance signing for potential life back in the Championship.

With the abundance of wealth that comes with promotion to the Premier League, Chris Wilder could surely look at more lucrative players to play their target man role.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

One positive for Blades supporters is that this move may open the door for Dean Henderson to return after his initial loan spell. Wilder clearly isn’t adverse to keeping on the loanees that helped him win promotion this season.

The Man United goalie has kept 20 clean sheets in the league, and therefore the Blades would be foolish to not go in for him ahead of their top flight return.

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According to The Daily Star, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham could all come calling for Leicester loanee Youri Tielemans this summer.

What’s the word?

Tielemans has been exceptional since he arrived in the Premier League on loan from Monaco in January. The talented Belgian midfielder has long been touted as a rising star and now he’s showing why.

The fact he signed for the Foxes raised eyebrows and he hasn’t been able to escape attention since. He’s been in mesmeric form, scoring three goals and claiming four assists in 11 appearances.

As a result, he’s attracted the interest of three huge top-flight clubs, per The Daily Star. The report cites quotes from the 21-year-old, in which he declares: “As for my future, we’ll see at the end of the season. I am just enjoying everything here and we’ll see after the next two games.”

Leicester don’t have an option to buy in his loan contract and if they want to sign the player will face serious competition. Brendan Rodgers has said previously, via quotes from talkSPORT, that the club will do everything possible to bring him in permanently.

Leicester must look to Choudhury

On Sunday against Arsenal we got a further glimpse of just how good Hamza Choudhury is. The 21-year-old is the same age as Tielemans and is some way behind in terms of development, but his future could be equally as bright if the Foxes invest time in him.

The arrival of Tielemans permanently would likely see Choudhury’s game time reduced again, but if the 5 ft 8 youngster was to become a permanent part of the starting XI, then he could flourish. Alongside Wilfred Ndidi, the Foxes would still possess a formidable midfield.

James Maddison already provides Leicester with plenty of creativity and although he played out on the wing against Arsenal, it’s a position where Harvey Barnes is only going to improve. As such, the former Norwich should become the main creative outlet again and allow Choudhury to thrive in behind.

Tielemans, therefore, is replaceable. Rather than spending what could be £40m and getting caught up in a transfer saga, they’d be better off focusing on one of their own talents.