Liverpool fans on Twitter have been discussing the rumours linking the Reds with a £75m move for Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, with the majority entirely against a swoop for the Foxes ace.
The England international has enjoyed a fantastic campaign so far, and has been an impressive Premier League performer for a while now.
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Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old before they opted to sign Andy Robertson (not a bad choice), and newly-appointed Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he tried to bring Chilwell to Anfield when he was with the Reds.
However, for the aforementioned price tag of £75m, most Liverpool fans certainly aren’t interested in the deal, especially with Robertson and young left-back Adam Lewis already at the club, who appears to be highly-rated by boss Jurgen Klopp.
Let’s see what the Liverpool supporters on Twitter have been saying about the reports linking them with a move for Chilwell…
Giving his prediction for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Paul Merson thinks that Wolves could struggle to a 1-1 draw against Burnley. The former attacking midfielder was offering his opinions to Sky Sports.
What’s he said?
Merson is no stranger to a slightly odd opinion but his view of how Burnley vs Wolves will play out is pretty realistic. He spoke about how the visitors could find life difficult despite the way their season has gone so far.
He noted how in particular their style of football might lead to them struggling to break their opponents down. Here’s what he said, courtesy of Sky Sports.
“Wolves have been one of the stories of the season, but they will find it tough to play at Turf Moor. They will be pinned back, unable to play their passing game and will find it tough.”
Merson calls it right
Burnley may be in relegation trouble but Turf Moor is still a difficult place to go, with their form at home last season giving plenty of evidence in that regard.
The Midlands side have had an exceptional season and are the polar opposite of Burnley. Last term it was the Clarets who were in Wolves’ position but how quickly things can change.
Wolves have been terrific against some of the Premier League’s top sides but have sometimes had a tendency to struggle against dogged teams such as Burnley on the road – hence why they may find life difficult again this weekend.
They haven’t won any of their last three matches away from Molineux, drawing with Chelsea but labouring to a stalemate with Bournemouth and losing to Huddersfield.
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The way Burnley set themselves up means that Nuno Santo’s side could struggle to play through the lines and as such, be limited in terms of their creativity.
It’s not unrealistic to suggest that the game could be a draw and with the hosts fighting for survival, they’ll have plenty of motivation.
Jurgen Klopp needs to look towards the summer transfer window, as well as focusing on his side’s pursuit of silverware this season, as there’re a number of areas that could do with improving.
The German has brought Liverpool supporters’ wildest dreams to life in the current campaign as they remain in the race for the Premier League title and Champions League glory.
But, fans will agree that the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are in desperate need of a creative midfielder just behind them, as they’ve been short on service at times in key games.
Of course, Philippe Coutinho’s departure last year didn’t help but his absence hasn’t been too evident up until recently in the Premier League.
Much to the delight of Liverpool fans, Klopp may have the chance to sign a potential replacement for the Brazilian.
According to the Mirror, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s future is in doubt as Unai Emery is keen on offloading the midfielder.
The Armenia international once played under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund and it’s safe to say that he’s a big fan of the Arsenal man, as he labelled him as ‘rare ‘ back in 2017 in a press conference (as per Independent).
Here’s what he had to say:
“He combines technical ability and tempo. It is rare,”
And, the Daily Mail reported back in 2017 that Liverpool almost signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan in 2013, so the Reds may finally be interested in landing their man.
FSG simply must look to bring the attacking midfielder to the club in the summer as he could be available on the cheap if Arsenal are looking to get rid of him, and Klopp managed to get the very best out of him during their time in Germany so he could get him back to his best at Anfield.
He’s quick, incredible with the ball at his feet and he’s shown that he can score goals and provide assists in the Premier League, so the Reds wouldn’t have to worry about him settling down in the top-flight.
Liverpool fans, do you think Mkhitaryan is good enough to replace Coutinho? Join the discussion by commenting down below!
Is there a more successful transfer trend in the Premier League than Liverpool signing from relegated teams?
FSG have secured a number of genius signings over the years as the likes of Andrew Robertson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri all cost Liverpool just over £40 million, yet all three have been big successes at Anfield since their arrivals and have all contributed well beyond what the club paid for them.
Although we have just entered April, two teams have already been confirmed for the drop from the Premier League in the form of Huddersfield Town and Fulham, and with how talented teams outside the top six are becoming, it is likely the two sides will be gutted come the summer transfer window.
And of course, all eyes will be on who Liverpool will move for should Klopp want to add to his squad on the cheap, and the German manager will have plenty of options to choose from.
One option fans wouldn’t mind seeing is midfielder Jean-Michael Seri. The Fulham summer signing is reportedly set to leave west London this summer following the clubs relegation, and with the Ivorian being linked with a move to Liverpool in the past, the former Nice man could finally make his way to Merseyside.
He’s very similar to Georginio Wijnaldum as he loves to get forward and influence the game in the final third, as well as constantly being a nuisance and buzzing around the midfield. And, with the player desperate to move, Fulham could sell him at a cut-rate fee in the summer, which could make him Liverpool’s latest coup.
Indeed, with Liverpool fans calling out for more creativity in the midfield, Seri could be the player to fill out that void in the team.
Liverpool fans, who would you like to see brought to Anfield this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Fulham value Ryan Sessegnon at £40million, with Tottenham Hotspur interested in signing the left-back, according to the Daily Mail.
Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be plotting a summer overhaul of his squad as Spurs prepare for their first season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What’s the word?
Sessegnon has been a shining light in Fulham’s dismal season this term, with the Cottagers already having been relegated to the Championship.
The 18-year-old has missed just three games in the Premier League in 2018-19 and has scored two goals and laid on six assists.
His performances have seen Spurs identify him as a key target ahead of the transfer window and they are poised to table a formal bid soon.
However, Spurs value the teenager at closer to £25m and it remains to be seen if the two clubs will be able to agree to a compromise in the coming weeks.
The new Shaw
Pochettino has worked his magic on left-backs before.
Luke Shaw became the world’s most expensive teenager when he moved from Southampton to Manchester United after blossoming under the tutelage of the Argentine.
The 5 foot 10 youngster has been playing in a much poorer team than Spurs this season and would benefit hugely from working under Pochettino.
A deal worth £40m may seem steep but could prove to be excellent value in the long run, with Shaw an example to follow.
Sessegnon has the raw tools to become one of the best full-backs in the league – he is quick, excellent in attack and has a genuine eye for goal, although his defensive game still requires some work – and he could also move further forward into a left wing role.
He would surely replace Ben Davies in the short-term – the Welshman is not the marauding force Sessegnon is – and he could become a genuine Premier League star in north London.
Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon is back in the headlines with the summer transfer window fast approaching, but a move away from Craven Cottage may not be on the youngster’s mind (yet).
Ryan Sessegnon is a bit of a buzz-name for national newspapers now we are coming up to the summer window. The Sun, for example, have thrown about numerous rumours regarding his future, nominating Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United along and Borussia Dortmund as suitors, because – why not?
Stick the player in any headline accompanied by some big team from around the country or Europe and guarantee to create some sort of rumour storm. Realistically though, how much does the player want to leave?
Spurs are said to be the frontrunners for his signature and could get the deal done this summer with a sizable cash offer.
Mauricio Pochettino’s work with players over the past five years is apparently one of the main factors, with Harry Kane’s meteoric ascent to England captain referenced, while Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier are all also viewed as inspirations for Sessegnon.
For all the interest however, the £50million man could opt to stay on at Fulham for another year and see out his contract, which expires in 2020.
Now, this would be a catastrophe for all parties involved. Fulham would lose out on sizable training compensation, Tottenham would miss out on their man and Ryan Sessegnon would almost certainly see his window of opportunity slip away.
Selfishness is the key now. Sessegnon must take the plunge for the good of his career; there is no use sticking around in the Championship another year. What will it achieve? More experience at a level far below his huge potential? More playing time and possible injuries? Hero status at Fulham and a missed chance at Tottenham?
It’s time to be bold.
Tottenham fans, would you rather see Sessegnon join now, next year, or never? Let us know in the comments below…
It has been a frustrating couple of months for Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe, hasn’t it?
After suffering a serious knee injury during the Whites’ 2-1 victory against Swansea City at the start of February, the forward had to watch on from the sidelines as his team-mates continued the club’s fight for automatic promotion from the Championship without him.
Although there were initial concerns that Roofe may miss the rest of the season for Leeds, a successful period of rehabilitation allowed him to return as a substitute in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City earlier this month.
With his presence on the bench putting pressure on fellow striker Patrick Bamford to deliver, the 25-year-old has stepped up his performances in the last two weeks. A brace for the former Chelsea ace against Preston North End was followed by a promising outing in last week’s 1-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.
Potentially in for a start once again on Good Friday against Wigan Athletic, Bamford’s form could force Roofe to have to settle for sporadic appearances between now and May.
Although the former Oxford United striker is still on course to be the club’s top-scorer this season having already fired in 14 goals, he was fairly magnanimous when asked about the prospect of being overtaken by his team-mate. Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Roofe admitted that: “Honestly, it wouldn’t mean anything.
“As long as my performances are good and the team wins and we get promoted, that’s the main thing.
“Whoever scores, it is what it is. I would rather play 10 out of 10 and someone else scores than play two out of 10 and score a goal. I would rather put the performance in.
“But if the team keeps winning I am not going to play so I am not going to score any!”
By revealing his selflessness, the 26-year-old has shown just why Marcelo Bielsa’s squad have managed to get into the position to secure a top-two finish in May this season. Whereas other years have seen Leeds crack under the pressure of expectation, the togetherness on show throughout the 2018/19 campaign can only be positive news for the club’s supporters.
With Roofe willing to sacrifice his own playing time for the sake of the team, it is clear that the Whites have the sufficient level of mental strength needed to prevail in their next four fixtures and thus overcome their rivals Sheffield United in the second tier.
What do you think Leeds? Do Roofe’s comments indicate the togetherness of Bielsa’s squad this season? Are you confident that the Whites can secure automatic promotion? Let us know below.
Chris Maguire has become a fans’ favourite on Wearside since his summer move from Bury. The 30-year-old Scottish international is nicknamed “The King” by Sunderland fans after a string of excellent performances.
He endeared himself even more to the Black Cats faithful on Monday, when he accidentally hit a young Sunderland fan square in the face with a ball during the warm-up before their match against Peterborough United.
The Scot returned at half-time to hand the young SAFC fan a signed shirt and apologised for hurting the boy.
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This has gone down very well on Twitter with one Sunderland fan calling Maguire a “legend” and another called it a “brilliant gesture.”
Maguire will now turn his attention to Sunderland’s promotion push with the chance of automatic now out of their hands, focus will be on getting as many points as possible and hoping that Barsnley slip up.
Even if Sunderland don’t get promoted this season, Maguire has made himself a hero for the Black Cats and gestures like these will only strengthen that feeling amongst the Stadium of Light faithful.
Being accepted into the Football Writers’ Association last year was one of the proudest moments of my career. But partaking in its most prestigious honour, a vote for the FWA Player of the Year, created a niggling anxiety that has eaten away at me over the past few weeks. Forget Brexit, this has been the toughest vote of my lifetime.
The nub of the issue stems from how paradoxical this season has been in terms of individuality versus collective efforts. On an individual basis, Eden Hazard and Heung-min Son have shone brightest for me. Hazard has been carrying Chelsea on his back all season, generating the most goal involvements of any Premier League player, while Son has somehow proved himself to be an arguably equal alternative to Harry Kane – for my money, the best striker on the planet.
But patchiness and absences, albeit in the minds of some only aiding Son’s case by factoring in an obscene amount of air miles, corrode the South Korean’s credentials in my opinion, and for all of Hazard’s efforts he’ll end the campaign with, at very best, a Europa League title and place in the top four to show for it. For someone who has guided Chelsea to Premier League titles before, it just feels as though not enough success accompanies the Belgian this time around.
Indeed, the two teams at the top of the Premier League haven’t relied on talismanic entities in the manner we usually expect of title-chasing teams. Mohamed Salah hasn’t been as relentless as last season – in fact, Liverpool’s entire approach this term has been to drop down a gear but keep a consistent pace over the whole campaign – while Manchester City’s greatest talent, Kevin De Bruyne, has spent much of 2018/19 on the sidelines.
Other players have stepped up to help fill his void, as we’ll come onto shortly, but Liverpool and City’s title bids are both very much team efforts, a consequence of nearly all cogs working with impeccable consistency.
Thus, the FWA vote this season has become a battle of which players have embodied their sides the best. At Anfield, Virgil van Dijk represents and indeed instigated the drastic defensive improvements that have pulled Liverpool up from being the Premier League’s great entertainers to dependable victors. At Manchester City, meanwhile, Raheem Sterling has been arguably the greatest beneficiary of Pep Guardiola’s tutelage, transformed from a big-money flop and club-and-country scapegoat to one of the most feared attackers around.
Throw in how Sterling’s managed to change attitudes off the pitch as well, by highlighting the hypocrisies woven into the fabric of the British press, and his impressive performances for England, and the 24-year-old boasts a very strong case. But I’ve never been one to stick with the crowd – perhaps that’s outsiderism for the sake of outsiderism – and it’s a Manchester City team-mate who has grabbed my vote in Bernardo Silva.
In some ways, that’s because of factors that aren’t immediately obvious, even though we’re all aware of them. De Bruyne is such an incredible footballer, perhaps the best midfielder in the world, yet his absence through injury has barely been noticed this season – it’s only Match of the Day that has truly suffered, missing his weekly instalments of the stunningly spectacular – as City have soldiered on, still completely dominating teams.
That’s huge credit to everybody at the Etihad, filling De Bruyne’s shoes has been an undoubted collective effort, but for a side that rely so heavily on their midfield to control games and provide moments of killer ingenuity, the lion’s share must go to Bernardo. Namesake David, of course, has played his usual part, but for a 24-year-old to fill such an almighty void in just his second Premier League season is an impeccable feat.
Of course, Bernardo hasn’t spent the whole season playing in the centre, but that itself only highlights how tougher the job has been compared to De Bryune’s, whose role as a No.8 was set in stone for pretty much the whole of last term. The former Monaco man has been utilised as a right winger, a No.10 and even a deep-lying midfielder – but his performances have remained indiscriminately strong. He’s performed every duty asked of him by one of the most demanding managers in the world.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Swansea City – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – April 22, 2018 Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their third goal with Bernardo Silva Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publicat
The numbers too, are mightily impressive and hint that Bernardo represents this City team more accurately than Sterling. His versatility encapsulates Guardiola’s tactical flexibility, just as his 2583 minutes played in the Premier League, only bested by Aymeric Laporte and goalkeeper Ederson, highlights how important a constant he’s been for the Premier League champions.
He ranks a solid fourth amongst City’s squad for both goals and assists in the top flight, as well as third for key passes per game and dribbles per game – two characteristics that very much define the fluidity and creativity of this City team – and perhaps most crucially of all, he’s attempted the most tackles of any City player in the Premier League, a whopping 90. That aspect of Bernardo’s game is emblematic of what we often forget about this City side – off the ball, they’re world-class as well – and showcases his most dramatic improvements since being a dazzling, diminutive playmaker at Monaco. He’s now a complete team player.
And it also harks back to the collective verdict on Bernardo back at the start of the season. Nobody doubted his ability after a solid first campaign in the Premier League and the David Silva successor narrative was already being discussed with every performance. But nobody expected him to make the third-most league starts of any City player, to make De Bruyne essentially a forgotten man and become so critical to the team that City’s win rate actually drops by 4% without him. He’s become Guardiola’s go-to man and throughout the entirety of world football, it’s tough to think of a much greater unofficial honour than that. Once upon a time, such a title belonged to the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
Hopefully the Football Writers’ Award can go some way to matching that privilege, and hopefully this year’s instalment goes to Bernardo. He may not have spent all season in at centre-stage, he may not match Sterling’s off-field impact or van Dijk’s sheer monolithic magnetism, but he has been the most unrelenting, unwavering constant of what could well be remembered as the greatest team in Premier League history. Surely for that, Bernardo deserves rightful recognition.
If West Ham United are to compete for big things under Manuel Pellegrini, they need to show intent with their transfer business.
They can’t gamble on has-beens or “experienced” candidates anymore and need to sign quality players who can make a difference under pressure scenarios.
However, it looks like the Hammers are planning on something big this summer. They’ve been scouting top talents in recent months and according to reports late last month (via Calcio Mercato), are chasing Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian’s been deemed surplus to requirement in Italy, but a Premier League return could help him redeem his failed stint years ago.
Much like a former Chelsea team-mate in Mohamed Salah – who initially flopped in the Premier League, only to rule over Serie A and come back to take the Premier League by storm – Cuadrado could script a similar tale. The former Fiorentina ace failed to impress Jose Mourinho years ago as well but excelled at Juventus.
He might’ve been ravaged by injuries this season, but was a firecracker through their right-wing, putting in blazing performances throughout. With experience at the top, he could well be ready to light up the Premier League. Cuadrado’s quite similar to Salah in style, having the pace to whiz past defenders, showcasing skill on the ball and often wandering into promising goal-scoring positions.
While making that big an impact will be a daunting challenge, Cuadrado can definitely spice up the league with his sizzling ability.
West Ham fans, would you be pleased with Cuadrado’s potential addition this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…