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Scottish champions Celtic head into the World Cup break having opened up a nine-point lead at the summit following what’s been a relentless start to the new domestic campaign, with Ange Postecoglou’s side having hardly put a foot wrong in the league thus far.

Following that imperious form – that has seen the Old Firm outfit pick up 42 points from a possible 45 – there may well be one man looking on with envy at present, with former Hoops star Tom Rogic likely to be regretting his decision to depart over the summer.

The 29-year-old made the surprise move to call time on his lengthy spell at Parkhead at the end of last season, with the Australia international having originally joined the club for a reported fee of just £400k back in January 2013.

Having overcome initial injury woes that would inhibit the playmaker’s impact in the first few years of his time in Glasgow, the 6 foot 2 sensation would go on to become a key figure for the Bhoys, scoring 46 goals and providing 49 assists in 272 games in all competitions.

The 53-cap magician had somewhat fallen down the pecking order at Paradise after coming close to a move away from the club in the summer of 2020, only for the arrival of Postecoglou to spark something of a revival, as the midfield maestro went on to provide 16 goal contributions in 50 games across all fronts last term.

Having blossomed under the 57-year-old’s tutelage, it had then come as a shock to see the former Central Coast Mariners man opt to depart, with Rogic eventually joining West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer.

On reflection, the Hoops may well have parted company with the player at just the right time, with the £1m-rated man having gone on to struggle in his new surroundings, making just six appearances for the Baggies thus far.

Having not signed on the dotted line until mid-September, the silky asset has seemingly been playing catch up of late, ensuring that he has been restricted to just a solitary start in the Championship at the Hawthorns.

Those woes have been compounded by the fact that the Aussie star has been omitted from his nation’s squad for Qatar, with that lack of game time having potentially proved costly to his chances of an inclusion.

At present, it seemingly beggars belief as to why Rogic was so keen to move on from Celtic Park only to end up as a peripheral figure in England’s second tier, with journalist Alexi Demetriadi suggesting that such a switch is simply “mystifying”.

The player himself may well have regrets regarding his exit, although as far as Postecoglou and co are concerned there have been no real ill effects as a result of that departure, with the Celtic machine continuing to march on without him.

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has already proven to be a great signing for the Premier League champions. 

The Lowdown: Man City’s swoop for Akanji

The Manchester club signed the defender from Borussia Dortmund on the final day of the summer transfer window in a deal worth a reported £15m. 

After seeing the defender arrive at the Etihad Stadium, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said that it was a “very good strategy in the summer when [the] City board decided to sign Akanji on permanent deal in the final days as ‘jolly/opportunity’ and with no plans to sell any CB.”

Now that the Premier League has taken a break to accommodate the World Cup, in which Akanji will be representing Switzerland, let’s take a look at how good of a signing he has been for Pep Guardiola’s side. 

The Latest: Akanji’s season so far 

Having played in 12 games for City across the Premier League and Champions League, this shows how important a figure he has quickly become for Guardiola. 

Across his eight league appearances, the 27-year-old has successfully completed 575 of his 609 passes attempted, leaving him with the highest percentage of successful passes (94.4%) in the entire division. 

He has also made more progressive passes (25) than fellow City defenders Nathan Ake (23), John Stones (19) and Aymeric Laporte (13). 

In terms of his defensive work, Akanji has won nine tackles, made nine blocks and made eight clearances, putting him in the top five for each metric at the Etihad. 

The Verdict: A big positive for City 

With an overall performance rating of 6.68/10 from WhoScored, this also eclipses the likes of Ake (6.64/10) and Laporte (6.59/10). 

This further highlights just how impressive the former Dortmund star has been for his new club and how little time it has taken him to settle in and become an important player for the team. 

Bearing in mind the unexpected nature of this signing in how it happened right at the end of the summer transfer window when City spotted an opportunity, it’s safe to say that this gamble has already paid off for the club, who clearly have a solid defender on their hands. 

After failing to score in seven appearances for Sunderland on loan, few Mackems would have expected to see Antoine Semenyo playing at the World Cup just two years later.

The young striker joined the Black Cats on loan from Bristol City during the 2019/20 League One season but featured just seven times in the third tier, with those appearances only totalling 184 minutes.

The Ghanaian forward had managed six goals and two assists with Newport County in League Two the season prior, but was clearly deemed not good enough by Phil Parkinson, as he looked to guide the Black Cats back to the Championship.

Semenyo was quick to prove Parkinson wrong the following campaign, as he notched five goals and seven assists in all competitions for the Robins, which set him on the way to becoming a key player at Ashton Gate.

The 2021/22 campaign was an extremely impressive one for the 22-year-old forward, as he managed eight goals and 12 assists in just 31 league appearances for Nigel Pearson’s side, which has seen him attract interest from the likes of Crystal Palace recently.

Pearson was full of praise for the electric forward earlier this year, saying:

“He is a real threat with his power and pace – he must be a nightmare to play against! His challenge now is to keep developing and adding elements to his game to make him even more effective.”

Semenyo’s impressive form saw him earn a call-up to Ghana’s national side in January of this year, and he would make his World Cup debut for Otto Addo’s side in their 3-2 defeat against Portugal in Qatar earlier this week.

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Considering the Ghana international struggled to earn a spot in a League One side just a couple of years ago, Sunderland fans may well be surprised by Semenyo’s meteoric rise, and will perhaps be wishing that he was given more starting opportunities when they failed to finish inside the playoffs of the Covid-affected 2019/20 campaign.

The interest in Declan Rice is ramping up, with the player’s own admission alluding to a transfer in the near future, with Chelsea among the frontrunners.

What’s the word?

The Blues have maintained an intense desire to bring Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge for several years now, with the Guardian recently confirming that the 23-year-old wishes to leave and will not extend his contract, expiring in 2024. 

In a recent World Cup press conference this week, Rice offered some thoughts on his next move, as West Ham United desperately try to keep hold of their most coveted asset. 

Rice said:

“I see my friends who play in the Champions League, winning the big trophies. You only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look back at what you’ve won.” 

Matic 2.0

Rice has been making steady gains over the past few years in East London, and it’s no mere coincidence that his emergence to the scene runs parallel to West Ham’s won ascension to European football, after narrowly staving off relegation in the 19/20 campaign.  

Having made 215 appearances for the Irons, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists, the 37-cap England international has earned plaudits for his tenaciously industrious approach to the midfield play, dictating the tempo, launching robust challenges and searching for forward openings. 

It’s exactly why journalist Rob Blanchette once dubbed him “a monster in midfield” earlier this season.

And should Chelsea pursue, they would wield a player reminiscent of a former star at the centre in Nemanja Matic.

Matic, who now pays his trade for AS Roma in the twilight stage of his career, was regarded as one of Europe’s best holding midfielders when he was at his zenith, and Rice could flourish with the Blues in his place.

Sticking to the basics and instilling composure and stability, the 34-year-old was impressive during his Chelsea career, winning three league titles, and his blueprint is one that should be followed by any like-minded midfielders looking to achieve success at Stamford Bridge.

The £68.6m-rated Rice, as valued by Transfermarkt, would likely require a mammoth bid exceeding that amount if the Hammers were to relinquish possession of the ace, with sources touting a fee closer to £150m. 

Such a fee might seem astronomical, but the statistics illustrate the prowess of the ace, with FBref ranking him within the top 6% for pass completion and 7% for interceptions when compared to midfielders across Europe’s major leagues this past year.

And with WhoScored recording his 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions in the Premier League this term, it’s clear that Chelsea would have some weapon on their hands should they succeed in their efforts. 

Also, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both approaching the conclusion of their Chelsea contracts this summer, the space is indeed freed for someone of Rice’s mould, who would adopt the anchor position in the team with aplomb, whilst also serving as a pivot when required.

Having been released from the Cobham academy at 14 years old, Rice found a home with the Hammers and has since proved that he has all the tools to become a leading central force for the coming age of football, both for club and country. 

And with the “force of nature” – as dubbed by journalist Rob Blanchette – displaying no signs of slowing down, Chelsea will feel rising confidence that they can hook the Englishman and reel him back into the fold, melding into the heart of the engine and fuelling the new Chelsea era. 

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery could turn to a move for Leicester City defender Jannik Vestergaard, according to pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Vestergaard speculation

Villa are reportedly in the market for a new defender in 2023 and have been linked with a variety of options, including Vestergaard. The 30-year-old is yet to make a Premier League appearance under Brendan Rodgers this season, with reports suggesting that Villa are set to be offered the defender’s services.

Vestergaard is under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2024, but Whelan thinks Villa could take the Foxes up on their offer.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan, who previously contributed to the BBC, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa’s transfer plans after hearing the news on Vestergaard.

He thinks that Emery may ‘see something’ in the Foxes defender and didn’t rule out a potential move, hinting at the Spaniard possibly moving on some of Steven Gerrard’s signings.

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“They’re looking to bolster their defence – and they need to.

“Unai Emery has come in and he’ll have his own ideas about how he wants his team to line up.

“That’s a difficult proposition for the owners because they’ve already spent a lot of money under Steven Gerrard.

“But some of those players might not be to the liking of Emery.

“There’s no doubt they’ll spend more money in January, but he will have ideas about what sort of player and character he wants.

“Vestergaard is someone who has had a difficult period, but Emery may just see something in him.”

The Verdict: Not needed?

Villa currently have five senior centre-back options, one of which being loanee Jan Bednarek. Diego Carlos also appears to be making good progress from injury, so it doesn’t seem as if a player like Vestergaard is needed.

A marquee centre-back addition like Villarreal’s Pau Torres could be more worthwhile as Emery looks to take Villa to the next level instead of a defender who is out of favour at a fellow top-flight club such as Vestergaard.

Chelsea are now reportedly eyeing a move for World Cup star and Atletico Madrid sensation Joao Felix.

The Lowdown: Felix shines…

The 23-year-old has been brilliant for Portugal in Qatar and has played an important role for manager Fernando Santos in their run to the quarter-final stage.

Felix has three goal contributions in three tournament appearances with only Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot ranking above the attacker in terms of average match rating (WhoScored).

The Atletico ace also ranks highly for shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 as he stands out as one of Portugal’s brightest attacking outlets.

The Latest: Chelsea eye move…

Now, as Felix’s club side contemplate selling him, it is believed a ‘public auction’ has begun for the player amid his scintillating World Cup campaign – according to Goal.

Chelsea are namechecked as an interested side alongside PSG, Man United, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Arsenal and FC Barcelona – but the Blues currently have a ‘magnificent relationship’ with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

It is added that Atleti will demand a ‘minimum’ of €100 million (£86m) to let him go.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Felix possesses undeniable quality but owner Todd Boehly will have to significantly invest to get a deal done.

Once costing £113m from Benfica, Atletico appear willing to let him go for a lesser price but an expensive one nonetheless.

However, is current form, age and sky high potential dictates that £86m is hardly beyond the realms of realism for Atletico to demand – especially since he has been called a Portugal ‘superstar’ by members of the media.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Bryan Gil is set ‘to look’ for a January move away amid his lack of Premier League game time, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Exciting Spurs prospect…

The Spaniard, dubbed ‘mini-Cruyff’ for his elegant and technical playing style, has also earned comparisons to Man City star Bernardo Silva in recent months.

Called a ‘wonderful’ talent by members of the English press, Spurs boss Antonio Conte is adamant that he is a very good player despite not handing many Premier League minutes.

It was Conte who likened him to Bernardo with the Lilywhites coach also claiming he believes in Gil and has seen real ‘improvement’.

The Latest: Gil ‘to look’ for Spurs exit…

According to Estadio Deportivo, this isn’t enough for the 21-year-old, who is set ‘to look’ for a temporary Spurs exit in the form of a loan next month.

It is believed there are a few clubs who could oblige, most notably Valencia, where he enjoyed a productive spell last season.

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Other La Liga clubs interested are Cadiz, Real Sociedad and Sevilla – where he signed for Spurs from in a swap deal with Erik Lamela in 2021.

The Verdict: Let him go…

Gil needs to further his development as a player and another loan spell could be just the solution.

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However, while this would be the best option for all involved, including Spurs, much could hinder on sporting director Fabio Paratici’s ability to sign a replacement.

Conte is in the midst of a second-successive push for a top four finish and will need as many options as possible to select from, especially with the congested run of games over the festive period.

Rangers boss Michael Beale made it two wins from two in his tenure thus far, with the Englishman seeing his side once again come from behind to claim a stunning victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Tuesday evening.

With goals from Duk and Leighton Clarkson having given the home side the lead following Fashion Sakala’s early strike, the Old Firm outfit appeared destined to lose even more ground in the title race, having still been trailing with just minutes left on the clock.

As was the case against Hibernian last week, however, the Light Blues showed remarkable fighting spirit to turn no points into three, with substitute Scott Arfield delivering the goods with a clinical brace in stoppage time.

That much-needed result has again put the pressure back on rivals Celtic at the summit with the gap back down to just six points at present, with hopes of wrestling the title back from their Glasgow neighbours having yet to be extinguished.

That triumph was also noteworthy as it saw experienced defender Connor Goldson make his long-awaited return to action, with the 30-year-old having been absent since suffering an injury in the defeat to Liverpool back in October.

With the likes of John Souttar and Filip Helander still sidelined – and with both Leon King and Ben Davies having endured their own injury woes of late – the Ibrox giants have been particularly depleted in that department, hence the notable lift to see the former Brighton and Hove Albion man welcomed back into the fold.

Although Goldson was part of a backline that shipped two against Jim Goodwin’s men, it was a typically solid display nonetheless from the £37k-per-week man, as he showcased just why he is a “leader” for the club, as described by pundit Alan Hutton.

The imposing titan notably proved a real hero in the backline having won 100% of his aerial duels, while also recording three clearances, one interception and one block in his 90-minute outing.

Despite losing possession on ten occasions from his 94 touches, the one-time Shrewsbury Town titan did offer real quality with his ability to play out from the back, having registered three key passes and claimed one assist, after somewhat fortuitously guiding the ball to his teammate for the game’s winning goal.

Such a performance unsurprisingly saw the Wolverhampton-born brute record a 7.4 match rating, as per Sofascore, with that the second-highest rating of any Rangers player on the night, behind only the aforementioned Arfield.

As Beale himself noted, it was “fantastic” to see the central defender back in action and be able to come through the clash unscathed, while Glasgow Live’s Alan Galindo suggested it was a ‘huge boost’ for the club to have him fit and firing again.

If the club are to truly kick on the second half of the campaign, having the heroic figure of Goldson marshalling the defence will simply be imperative.

Wolves have reportedly made another approach to try and sign Racing Club midfielder Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Approach already made

It was reported back in November that the Old Gold had already ‘asked for information’ about Alcaraz ahead of a potential move in January.

They had set their sights on fellow Argentinian midfielder Maximo Perrone, but Manchester City look set to trigger his $8m (£6.6m) release clause, so the Wanderers could look to move for Alcaraz instead.

The Latest: Another approach

As per O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Julen Lopetegui’s side have approached Alcaraz again over a potential move in January, but will face competition from both Benfica and AC Milan for his signature.

Racing have also put an €18m (£16m) price tag over his head, so the Midlands club know exactly how much he will cost in order to prise him away from Argentinian football.

The Verdict: Great option

Alcaraz would certainly offer Lopetegui another great option in the middle of the park in his squad.

Hailed as ‘one of the biggest talents in Argentina’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, he has put up some impressive numbers in the Argentinian league this season, with journalist Alex de Llano highlighting his dynamism and movement as ‘gold’.

Kulig further lists the youngster’s strengths as ‘pace, passing, vision, technique, ball control, creativity, long shots and set pieces’, showing him to be the complete all-round midfielder at the age of just 20.

Nonetheless, Wolves would do well to fight of the high level of European competition for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will be sweating on the availability of star winger Dejan Kulusevski ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace…

What’s the latest?

The Sweden sensation missed the New Year’s Day defeat to Aston Villa with a slight muscular problem and he was sorely missed as Spurs struggled to muster up many chances in the final third.

Conte gave an update in his pre-game press conference, where he rated the 22-year-old’s chances of featuring at 50%. He said (via the club’s official website):

“He’s 50-50, we have a day and a half to make the right evaluation. For sure, it’s up to the player, the decision, because if his feeling is good, is positive, he can start to play. Otherwise, we won’t take a risk,” before adding: “We have to monitor him day by day, then take the best decision. We have today and tomorrow to check the injury, and if the player gives his availability, he could play.”

Kulusevski is needed

Even if he’s involved this evening, it’s hard to imagine the former Juventus dynamo starting, given Conte’s comments on the situation and this will surely leave the Italian sweating as his side were so poor a few days ago.

Against Villa, the Lilywhites only mustered up two shots on target, with the lightweight and relatively inexperienced Bryan Gil featuring alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son for the first time in the Premier League.

Kulusevski provides a lot in attack. He’s a goal threat and a creative talent, and is perhaps one of the most important players in the squad. The Swede has provided six goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances across the last 11 months.

He is currently leading the squad for assists in the top-flight this campaign and only Son matches his key passes per game output, so it’s understandable that Tottenham labour immensely without him in the starting XI.

It’s no wonder Kulusevski has been described as a “non-stop machine” and an “absolute monster” by journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsar in the past, whilst the £53m-rated gem has previously been dubbed very “important” to the team by Conte himself, only adding to how badly he’ll be missed if absent again.

AND in other news, Levy could match Conte’s lofty ambition with dream Spurs swoop for £44m “phenomenon”…