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Whilst the improvement hasn’t been as drastic as many would have liked, Chelsea are making steady progress in regards to defensive stability, conceding 31 goals in 24 games so far this season (1.29 goals conceded per 90) compared to the 63 conceded in 38 games last season (1.58 goals conceded per 90).

So far this season, Enzo Maresca’s side are averaging 11.2 shots conceded against them per game, much fewer than the 14.6 they conceded per match last term.

However, whilst the volume of shots has been minimised, Maresca is still yet to find a way to lower the threat of each shot, with their xG per shot conceded metric remaining at 0.15, the same as it was last season.

It looked like Maresca had settled on a back four he liked in the early weeks of the campaign but injuries and certain players returning have hampered that stability the Italian had which has left the defence struggling in recent weeks.

How Chelsea's defence has shaped up in 2024/25

At the beginning of the season, Maresca found some solidity with a back five of Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella, with club captain Reece James out through injury at the time.

Fofana was a huge part of this, starting 12 of the first 13 Premier League games, the only one he missed being through suspension rather than not being selected.

But since the Frenchman suffered an injury, the Blues’ form has gone downhill, with their only clean sheet since 22nd December in the league coming in a 0-0 draw with Everton.

In recent weeks, summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo has taken Fofana’s spot alongside Colwill in central defence, but the 27-year-old, who was signed on a free transfer, could well have been another player who used to play at Stamford Bridge, had he not been allowed to leave for nothing back in 2022.

Chelsea must rue selling one of the world's best

Titanic defender Antonio Rüdiger left Chelsea at the end of the 2021/22 season, having made 203 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals, providing four assists and totalling 17,887 minutes played.

In his time at the club, it was a bit of a rollercoaster, falling out of favour under Frank Lampard, before becoming integral to Thomas Tuchel in Chelsea’s Champions League winning campaign.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Considering their struggles over the last six weeks, how they must rue not tying him down to an extended contract, with the centre-back now shining for Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Progressive Carries

0.61

1.24

0.55

Progressive Passes

3.19

2.21

2.86

Passes Attempted

70.6

62.2

82.6

Pass Completion %

92.1%

89.6%

92.6%

Passes into Final Third

4.23

3.89

3.63

Tackles

0.93

1.15

1.32

Blocks

0.82

1.24

0.77

Interceptions

0.40

1.06

0.43

Aerial Duels Won

1.22

2.04

2.53

When comparing Rudiger to Fofana and Adarabioyo so far this season, you can see that the German brings an extra level of security.

He’s better with his passing, makes more progressive passes and still maintains a high pass completion percentage. But what doesn’t show in the data, is the tenacity and leadership he offers in defence.

Former Arsenal star Mesut Özil once named Rudiger as the “world’s best defender” when in his prime, pinpointing his “mentality” as a key factor to his success.

His ability to take on the best and most physical strikers in the world, battle for 90 minutes and lead by example for his team, certainly makes his presence priceless.

Whilst if Fofana had stayed fit, Chelsea could be in better stead currently, the loss of the Frenchman has only highlighted the Blues’ defensive issues, lacking leaders and a certain type of mentality, one which Rudiger had in abundance.

Outperforming Jackson & Nkunku: Chelsea must rue selling "world-class" star

Chelsea may have made a mistake in allowing one player to leave given his form away from the club.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 11, 2025

Ex-captain ‘buzzing’ about Test team’s potential after summer of expanding horizons

Vithushan Ehantharajah13-Sep-2022

Joe Root shares a joke with Ben Stokes at the end of the third Test•Getty Images

In the aftermath of England’s convincing nine-wicket win over South Africa in their last Test of the summer, Joe Root was asked when he realised things were just a little different under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Not only did he agree that they were, he was able to pinpoint a specific moment too, when a format that he has spent more than a decade playing, watching and analysing made his jaw drop. It was during the second of their six Tests wins this summer, as Jonny Bairstow (136) and Stokes (75 not out) blazed New Zealand all over Trent Bridge in a 179-run stand off just 121 deliveries to complete a fourth-innings chase of 299 in just 50 overs.”There was a moment at Trent Bridge when me and Zak Crawley sat down in that last session with a crossword,” said Root, setting the scene. “We did one answer and within three overs, we’d put the book down and couldn’t take our eyes off it. It was like watching a highlights reel of a T20 game, never mind a Test match. It was remarkable.”Some of the things we’d never seen before in Test cricket happened in a short space of time. It’s nice to know what we’re capable of. It almost feels like – I hate drawing the comparison, but there is a small feeling of what it was like when we started to make those really big scores in the white-ball team. That’s the exciting thing – what is the limit, how far can we go? You look at what that team has achieved over a period of time. I know it is early days and a lot of different elements to Test cricket, compared to the white-ball format, but it is very exciting that there is the same sort of vibe around, in my mind anyway.”It is hard not to feel we are in unchartered territory when it comes to this men’s Test side. Here is a group not only rekindling the English public’s love for cricket, but also inspiring those within their own changing-room. And it is probably through Root that we can gauge the authenticity of what McCullum and Stokes have cultivated this summer. The results speak for themselves, with series wins against New Zealand and South Africa sandwiching a one-off win over India to square the 2021 series two-all. But the vibes are something else and even someone as comfortable in his standing as Root has been revitalised by a fun, more social environment.Jonny Bairstow’s onslaught at Trent Bridge was the moment Joe Root knew this team was onto something•Getty Images

“It’s been absolute class,” he said. “It’s been great to be part of, so much fun to play the way we have played, and to win six out of seven is a reflection of the quality with which we’ve played. It makes the winter and beyond look very exciting for this team. To know there’s still more potential and areas we can improve is the most exciting part of it. We’re definitely not the finished article, but to see the strides we’ve made in such a short space of time has been really a breath of fresh air. I’m buzzing about it, to be honest, looking forward to the next series already!”You didn’t need to be a body language expert to realise just how taxing the captaincy was on Root. By the end of his five years, those baby blues had dulled, his shoulders were in a constant slump, his worries were enough to flatten him, particularly during the pandemic. His only joy seemed to come out in the middle, where he averaged 54 with eight hundreds in his final 20 Tests as skipper. A run, from the start of 2021, in which England won just four times.Related

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During the final throes of his leadership, there was a palpable sadness to the group. An offshoot was the inadvertent isolation of Root. He began hanging out with team-mates less, even if he regarded some of them as long-time friends. Not so much through losing their trust, but a combination of thinking he needed time away from them and thinking they were growing weary of him. It was a lack of consideration and communication that wouldn’t happen right now.”No, I’ve never had more fun playing professional cricket,” Root said in a flash when asked of how he has found the season. “Honestly, it is hard to put into words. You turn up every day and you’re very excited about what’s going to happen. It’s the unknown. It’s quite a strange feeling to have played 120-odd games, still to have that feeling when you turn up every day. It’s a really good place to be. It keeps you very hungry and motivated. You can bounce off the energy of everybody else who is in the same mindset.”The irony here is, despite a largely productive summer, the 2-1 success over South Africa was done with very little input from Root. He managed just 46 runs from four knocks, although the strength of his work in the first four matches ensured strong season numbers of 615 runs at an average of 68.33, as well as three Test hundreds that moved him to a career total of 28. Though naturally dismayed by the downturn, it has not dimmed his enjoyment over the last month, especially with the success of others to nourish him.”There’s an element of satisfaction in winning,” he said. “But my job is to score runs.Ben Stokes and Joe Root look proud as punch at the post-match presentation•Getty Images

“I couldn’t be more pleased for some of the other guys – the two lads on Sunday night (Crawley and Alex Lees) to play like that, we could have finished it on Sunday if things were slightly different.”They’ve not always managed to go on and make big scores and get the headlines but the impact and damage they’ve done at the top has certainly had a big influence on the rest of the guys coming in. Popey (Ollie Pope) playing the way he has all summer. He’s had a couple of big contributions and you can see the confidence as he walks out to bat at No.3.”And even Foakesy last week (in the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford). I thought that was a brilliant hundred, dovetailed nicely with Ben. it feels like everything is coming together and we’re in a good spot as a team. As a senior batter involved in that, it’s nice to have that around you.Like breakout pop acts, this group’s next challenge after taking the country by storm is to have the same impact overseas. The first port of call is Pakistan for three Tests in conditions that will require greater consideration and patience, not that either of those virtues have been lacking with this group – within the team’s mindset, at least.For, although the South Africa series only needed nine days for three results, there were periods of restraint and deliberation factored into each fast-forwarded performance. The new approach, for all the focus on his explosiveness, is primarily rooted in a calm which has been reinforced with each day’s play. Root believes now is as good a time as any to take it on the road.”We’ll certainly try. Look at the way we played at Old Trafford [where England scored 415 for nine steadily in 107 overs on the way to winning by an innings] and you can see there’s more to it. The most important thing is that when we get the opportunities to force the issue and get ahead of the game then we take it. Every time we’ve had the opportunity to do that this summer, we’ve done it extremely well.”At Old Trafford, you saw a different side to this team, a side that can absorb pressure, can play in a slightly different fashion. We’re not just a one-trick pony. There’s always going to be periods in Test cricket that you have to manage well and smartly. We’ve not got it right every time this summer, but we’ve got it right more often than not, and that’s why we’re sat here with six out of seven.”

The former Australia captain, known for his incisive and forthright views, spent the best part of his commentary years with Channel Nine

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2022

‘It’s up to other people to decide what they think of me and some will think I’ve been all right. Some will think I’ve been a pr**k. That doesn’t bother me one bit.’•Getty Images

After a celebrated commentary career spanning 45 years, Ian Chappell has decided to put down his mic. The 78-year-old former Australia captain, who is widely admired for his incisive views on the game and his forthright manner of expressing them, told the that he had been contemplating the decision for a while.”I remember the day when I knew I’d had enough of playing cricket,” he said. “I looked at the clock and it was five past 11 on a day of play and I thought, ‘S**t, if you’re clock-watching at that time, I have to go’.Related

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“So when it comes to commentary, I’ve been thinking about it. I had a minor stroke a few years back and I got off lucky. But it just makes everything harder. And I just thought with all the travel and, you know, walking upstairs and things like that, it’s all just going to get harder.”Then I read what Rabbits [legendary rugby league commentator Ray Warren] said with retirement and it really struck home when I read the bit where he said, ‘you’re always one sentence closer to making a mistake’.”Chappell entered the commentary box towards the end of a playing career of 75 Test matches – 30 of them as captain – and became part of a team of distinctive voices that backgrounded Channel Nine’s broadcasts of Australian cricket for more than three decades, alongside Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Tony Greig.Channel Nine and Chappell enjoyed a long relationship, but not one without the occasional fraught moment.”Kerry [Packer, the media mogul who owned Channel Nine] wanted to sack me a couple of times,” Chappell said. “He used to get the s***s about one-day cricket, because that was his baby. And I might have said something about one-day cricket. With Kerry it was just like a storm – you’d let it blow over till the next one came.”When asked how he would like to be remembered as a commentator, Chappell replied: “It’s up to other people to decide what they think of me and some will think I’ve been all right. Some will think I’ve been a pr**k. That doesn’t bother me one bit.”Chappell has had to endure health issues in recent years, including a diagnosis of skin cancer, but he remained a sharp and fiercely independent voice on the game, in broadcast and print. He writes a regular column on ESPNcricinfo, where he recently questioned the seeming consensus among the game’s administrators that the future of cricket will inevitably belong to franchise T20 leagues, with Test cricket pushed to the margins.

Only a few weeks ago, it was all doom and gloom on Tyneside. Things weren’t going all that well. Newcastle United were struggling. And so on.

Newcastle have rekindled their ferocious attacking fires with statement victories in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, climbing back to the rim of European contention while dispatching Brentford at St. James’ Park to set up a semi-final tie against Arsenal in the cup.

How fickle football is. Eddie Howe has formed a base from which Newcastle can build in 2025, with a disappointing summer transfer window likely affecting this season’s performance level.

Exciting names will be targetted across a range of positions, but the Magpies may be forced to sell some of their shiniest silver, with several of the biggest names seemingly at risk of departure.

Newcastle's potential transfer exits

Newcastle staved off the threat of losing their best players this year by selling up-and-coming talents Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.

This is all well and good, but unless European football is restored, that success might prove to be little more than a stay of execution for a United side that failed such ambitions last year and presently dwell in mid-table, albeit having returned to form emphatically.

As per The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, PSR remains a concern for the Toon, who could be forced to consider Bruno Guimaraes’ sale after the new year. The issue is compounded by Manchester City’s intrigue, for they need a new midfielder of such elite proportions.

The non-committal Alexander Isak also presents a growing conundrum. The free-scoring Swede is one of the deadliest strikers across Europe but appears hesitant to sign a lucrative new deal at Newcastle, and with outfits like Arsenal keen on landing his signature.

Newcastle have fostered a skill in damage mitigation over the past few years, and there may yet be a way to strengthen the squad while retaining said superstars’ signatures.

Indeed, certain Serie A giants hold a vested interest in bringing Sandro Tonali back to his homeland. Losing the elegant midfielder would certainly be to Howe’s detriment, however.

Sandro Tonali's Newcastle future

According to Football Insider, Newcastle sources have revealed that the Toon could be forced to consider Tonali’s exit at the end of the season.

Tonali’s debut campaign in England was cut short last October when he was charged with breaching betting guidelines and was suspended until the start of the current campaign.

Newcastle signed AC Milan’s midfield poster boy for about £55m, and though he scored on his debut in a demolition job over Aston Villa, he fizzled out and disappointed before being shackled to the stands.

However, he indeed petered out. But Tonali admitted himself that he was struggling to adapt to the English scene before his ban. It’s fair to say that he’s made headway since rejoining the fray in 2024/25.

This year, Tonali is proving himself worthy as a nailed-down figure in the engine room. Bringing pedigree, technical skill and intelligence to a side that yields one of the slickest attacks in the Premier League, though one that has struggled to get going for much of the season due to an absence of cohesion.

Italian journalist Martino Puccio has hailed him as a “world-class” player in the making during his Serie A career, and though he hasn’t hit that vein in England, it’s certainly within his capabilities, with improvements discernible already this term.

Matches (starts)

8 (5)

15 (8)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

1

Touches*

39.8

38.2

Pass completion

88%

85%

Big chances created

0

1

Dribbles*

0.4

0.4

Ball recoveries

2.5

3.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

2.3

Total duels (won)*

2.1 (47%)

3.2 (56%)

He’s also showcasing energy that bespeaks his commitment to the cause, ranking among the top 9% of central midfielders in the Premier League this season for interceptions per 90 (1.84), as per FBref. Not just a maestro, Tonali is gritty and tenacious.

Newcastle lost a talented midfielder during the off-season: the homegrown Anderson. The silky midfielder signed for Nottingham Forest in a move worth about £35m.

Anderson has been a real star with the Tricky Trees this season, flourishing with a skilful and creative approach. The 22-year-old’s tactical intelligence and versatility would have been perfect for connecting Howe’s system together this year, but alas.

It needed to be done, all part of that aforementioned damage mitigation. Tonali, however, differs in that he is entering the prime of his career and does something that none of his teammates can emulate. Sure, Guimaraes is just as technical if not more so, but the Italian’s vision and awareness combine with a distinct brand of skill that is rooted in his base skillset.

It’s important to look at the situation openly. Tonali and Guimaraes haven’t exactly thrived in conjunction during their time on the field, though the Italy international’s recent form does suggest that lasting fluency is attainable.

Ultimately, it seems like Newcastle are going to be forced to give if they are also to take in the coming months and windows. Tonali would be an invaluable asset on the pitch over the coming years, but if his sale keeps even bigger fish in the pond, then it might not be the worst thing in the world.

It all comes down to diligence and pinpoint targeting. At their best, PIF’s Newcastle can throw down with the best of them on the market. They’ve plateaued of late, but must now restore their integrity and reap the fruits thereafter.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In an ideal world, Tonali is a part of that future. Time will tell.

Howe must finally sell Newcastle flop who is earning 3x more than Murphy

This Newcastle flop needs to be sold at the end of the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 24, 2024

Julen Lopetegui’s position in the West Ham United dugout is basically untenable. He’s still in a job at the moment but it’s hard to envisage a world where the Spaniard turns things around and leads the Londoners toward prosperity.

It’s a cruel time of year, and Lopetegui is certainly feeling the harsh winter bite in the English capital. The fact is that the Hammers are blessed with some of the Premier League’s finest property, but things aren’t going to plan and the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is teetering on the precipice of unemployment.

Having been defeated by newly-promoted Leicester City in midweek, Lopetegui seemingly has the forthcoming fixture against Wolves to prove himself worthy of the badge, but even so, there’s a sense that the decision not to fire him this week is little more than a stay of execution.

Indeed, as per The Telegraph, talks are already underway for Graham Potter, who might be willing to step in until the end of the season.

Graham Potter's at the top of the list

Potter’s been doing the rounds recently, appearing in various pundit-related capacities in a tacit acknowledgement that he is looking to reemerge on the managerial scene.

The 49-year-old was sacked by Chelsea after only six months in April 2023, and though he failed to effectively inculcate his philosophy, Stamford Bridge was in a rut, with deep fissures running beyond issues relating only to the person in the dugout.

He’s got an impressive track record, that blemish aside. Potter likes to enforce a dynamic tactical approach, having self-branded his teams as “tactically flexible, attacking (and) possession-based.”

Would he be a success at the London Stadium? It’s hard to imagine he’d do any worse than Lopetegui currently is. After years of solidity and success under David Moyes, West Ham supporters are understandably disgruntled with the current results, not least because the squad carries a quality that should see them pushing for a place at the highest level of the Premier League.

With talkSPORT reporting that he has a preference for taking over West Ham (struggling Wolves are also interested), this could be a deal that’s there for the taking, though whether technical director Tim Steidten opts to make the appointment is unclear at this stage.

After all, he’s not the only candidate, and perhaps not even the best fit.

Why West Ham should appoint Edin Terzic

He’s been here before. Edin Terzic left his post with Borussia Dortmund last season, having valiantly led the Yellow Wall to the final stage of the Champions League, though they were defeated by Real Madrid.

Having previously served as Slaven Bilic’s assistant in east London, Terzic would be returning to West Ham having already forged a connection of sorts.

German outlet BILD even report that the 42-year-old has been offered the job, albeit iterating that he has reservations.

Former Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said earlier this year that Terzic achieved “incredible” things with the club, failing to clinch silverware but coming so close and producing some electric football too.

Terzic’s interpersonal skills and energetic tactical implementation suggest that he could be the perfect man for the job, succeeding Lopetegui and finally giving rise to a maintained purple patch that will return West Ham to European contention.

While he likes to maintain a degree of control in matches, Terzic enforces a slick counter-attacking system that could play into West Ham’s existing strengths while reshaping it into something new and exciting.

​​​​​​He could also be the perfect man to solve the Irons’ woes at centre-forward, for he actually employed the struggling Niclas Fullkrug at number nine in Germany before the hulking German international signed for the Premier League side in a deal worth £27m this summer.

Fullkrug did manage to chalk his name on the scoresheet for the first time against Leicester, providing Lopetegui with a consolation goal after West Ham held three and faced the jaws of defeat.

Those jaws still clamped around the visitors, but at least the 31-year-old has now established a platform from which he can jump forward.

It’s crucial that the Hammers manage to get their talisman firing, but he might just need a managerial switch to propel him – and his team – into the ascendency, and Terzic could be the perfect manager to do it.

Niclas Fullkrug – Club Record (past five seasons)
Season	Club	Manager	Apps	Goals	Assists
2024/25	West Ham	Julen Lopetegui	5	1	0
2023/24	Bor. Dortmund	Edin Terzic	43	15	10
2023/24	Werder Bremen	Florian Kohfeldt	3	1	0
2022/23	Werder Bremen	Florian Kohfeldt	30	16	6
2021/22	Werder Bremen	Florian Kohfeldt	34	19	8
2020/21	Werder Bremen	Florian Kohfeldt	21	6	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can likely ascertain from the table just above, the heavyset forward has enjoyed his most productive campaign at Dortmund, under the loving wing of Terzic.

His countryman’s fast-paced system might seem to run counter to his focal target role, but actually, Fullkrug is capable of holding play and linking up with his more agile teammates – at West Ham, this could reference to Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Crysencio Summerville.

As per FBref, indeed, he ranked among the top 5% of Bundesliga centre-forwards across the 2023/24 campaign and thus has the capacity to do great things at West Ham.

He’s no spring chicken though, and Lopetegui’s brand is hardly working well. The club cannot afford to waste the quality of the talent at their disposal. Fullkrug is an exciting player with the potential to become an effective leading man, but Lopetegui needs to go for this to happen.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

While Potter would certainly feel that he could get the best out of the number nine, Terzic has worked with him before, earmarked him for transfer in fact and brought him to Dortmund. It’s the move that needs to be made.

Last chance saloon: West Ham want Lopetegui upgrade who's perfect for Bowen

Julen Lopetegui could find himself without a job should West Ham United lose to Wolves on Monday.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 7, 2024

In a groundbreaking move, the two head coaches were mic'd up which allowed fans to hear everything the two said after the game

• Javier Mascherano and Ronny Deila wore microphones during the match
• Fans gained unprecedented insight into on-field communication and tactics
• The initiative aims to bring supporters closer to the action

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  Inter Miami's head coach Javier Mascherano and Atlanta United's head coach Ronny Deila wore microphones throughout their teams' recent clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, giving fans never-seen-before insights into both coaches. This innovative approach allowed fans to hear real-time tactical instructions, player interactions, and the intensity of the sideline experience. It's a compelling view into the match, which Miami won in dramatic fashion.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In a tense rematch of their 2024 MLS Cup Playoff encounter, Inter Miami edged out Atlanta United 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta's Emmanuel Latte Lath opened the scoring in the 11th minute, heading in Brooks Lennon's cross. Lionel Messi equalized for Miami in the 20th minute with a delightful goal but the game remained deadlocked until the 89th minute when Fafà Picault secured victory for Inter Miami. Despite Atlanta's efforts, including a Tristan Muyumba shot hitting the crossbar, Inter Miami emerged victorious.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Following a bye week, Inter Miami will host Philadelphia Union at the Chase Stadium on March 29 while Atlanta United visit Cincinnati FC on the road on March 22 in the league. Delia's side then has back-to-back home games at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium against New York City FC and FC Dallas on March 29 and April 5 respectively.

Leeds United were left disappointed coming from Lancashire on Saturday after they could only scramble to secure a draw away at Preston North End.

They found themselves 1-0 down to a strike from Brad Potts in the first-half and spent the rest of the game struggling to break down Paul Heckingbottom’s side, before a stoppage time own goal from Jack Whatmough made it 1-1.

The result has left the Whites in second place in the Championship table, three points behind Sheffield United in first, and Daniel Farke will surely have his sights set on moving to the top.

One player who could be ruthlessly ditched from the starting line-up in order to help Leeds to go one step further is attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who has struggled in recent weeks.

Brenden Aaronson's recent form for Leeds

The USA international lined up as the number ten in the 1-1 draw with Preston and produced an underwhelming display for the West Yorkshire outfit.

He failed to create a single chance for his teammates in 65 minutes on the pitch and missed a ‘big chance’, as Sam Byram’s flick to him in the box presented a fantastic opportunity to hit the target – only for Aaronson to fire well over the bar.

The former RB Salzburg star has now produced one goal, zero assists, and zero ‘big chances’ created in his last eight matches in the Championship for Leeds, with the goal coming in the form of a tap in from close range against Middlesbrough.

Farke must, now, finally ditch him from the starting line-up because of his lack of production at the top end of the pitch, and he could do so by unleashing another player in a new role at Elland Road.

The Leeds star who could learn a new role

Mateo Joseph initially thought he had secured the draw off the bench for the Whites on Saturday, only for it to end up being an own goal from Whatmough, after his run and attempted flick at the near post created the equaliser.

The Spain U21 international, who has played the vast majority of his career as a centre-forward, appeared to be in a slightly deeper role when he came on, with Patrick Bamford ahead of him, and it almost worked perfectly after he jumped onto a loose ball around 25 yards out and drove forward before firing an excellent shot from distance that forced Freddie Woodman to parry it wide.

Joseph, who was hailed as “dynamite” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a dynamic forward who can drive with the ball, create chances for his teammates, and link-up play, which is why he could suit playing as a number ten.

24/25 Championship

Mateo Joseph

Appearances

21

Starts

10

Goals

2

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate has not found his feet as a goalscorer, yet, but has shown impressive creativity, with four ‘big chances’ created in ten starts.

This suggests that he could thrive as an attacking midfielder, in a position to create chances for his teammates, and that is why Farke should finally ditch Aaronson to unleash Joseph in a new role.

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Posts ByDan Emery Dec 13, 2024

Ruben Amorim has become the sixth permanent Manchester United manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the 2012/13 season.

Despite the array of options at the helm, the Red Devils have been starved of success, failing to win a single Premier League title after the Scotsman’s departure nearly 12 years ago.

The 39-year-old has become the latest man to try and change the fortunes at Old Trafford, but may face a tricky challenge straight away given the lack of impact the squad had under Erik ten Hag.

The club currently sit in 13th place ahead of Amorim’s first outing this weekend, with high hopes that the former Sporting CP boss can lead them back to the top end of the division in the near future.

However, he may have some big calls to make about the long-term futures of some players, who may or may not be deemed good enough for a role in his plans in Manchester.

The huge calls Amorim will have to make at United

Alejandro Garnacho has started the 2024/25 season with a bang, registering seven goals and four assists within his first 18 games in all competitions.

The Argentine has registered the most combined goal contributions of any first-team player so far this campaign, which you would expect, would earn him a starting role under the new manager.

However, the 39-year-old will almost certainly utilise his 3-4-3 system that allowed for his success in Portugal – potentially leaving the youngster without a starting role.

Within the three players at the top end of the pitch, two of them operate in a central position behind the centre-forward, with that role potentially taking Garnacho’s key asset of cutting inside onto his right foot away from him.

The centre-back department may also spring up some surprises, with numerous personnel more than capable of featuring in a three-back system for United.

Out of the current crop of players, a number of them are either certainly out for Amorim’s opener through injury or could be touch and go ahead of the clash at Portman Road.

However, the former Sporting boss’ biggest concern is the lack of a clinical striker, with January presenting the perfect opportunity for the club to land a new talisman.

Man Utd make contact to sign £203k-p/w star

According to French outlet Le10Sport, Man Utd have made contact with PSG over a potential loan deal for striker Randal Kolo-Muani for the remainder of the ongoing campaign.

The 25-year-old, who cost the Ligue side £75m back in the summer of 2023, has only started two league matches this season – with a move certainly benefitting both parties.

Kolo Muani, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could become Amorim’s new version of Viktor Gyokeres – with the Swede enjoying a phenomenal run under his guidance, scoring 66 times in 68 matches for the Liga Portugal side.

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However, it’s safe to say there are no current attacking options within the first-team squad who look as though they could match such a feat – with senior options Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund registering just one and two goals in all competitions respectively.

Randal Kolo Muani’s Ligue 1 stats for PSG (2023/24)

Statistics

Tally

Games played

26

Goals scored

6

Assists

5

Pass accuracy

73%

Chances created

26

Successful dribbles

28

Aerials won

52%

Stats via FotMob

The PSG star, who currently earns £203k-per-week as per Capology, has previously enjoyed numerous impressive campaigns in Europe, with his best season coming back in the 2022/23 season for Eintracht Frankfurt.

He scored 23 times in 46 appearances, but it appears as though his move to Paris has taken a hit on his confidence, with the talisman undoubtedly needing a move to resurrect his once-promising career.

Kolo Muani must surely be tempted by a move to Manchester given the size of the club, but also considering Amorim’s work with Gyokeres – potentially making him the next version of the star who’s captured the attention of sides all over Europe.

However, it’s evident that the new United boss is in the market for a new talisman to help him in his quest to take the Red Devils to the next level during his reign at Old Trafford.

The PSG striker may not be many people’s first choice, especially considering the availability of Gyokeres, but it could be a cost-effective deal between January and the summer, with the opportunity to reevaluate the attacking department in the summer.

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Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 22, 2024

Richards and Palace secure a crucial three points against their London rivals

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Richards plays massive role in Palace's winResult sees Palace move up to 13thRobinson had solid showing for FulhamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

In a Premier League matchup between two top American defenders in Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards, it was Richards and Crystal Palace who emerged victorious.

Richards and secured a massive 2-0 upset over Robinson's Fulham at Craven Cottage, pushing the Whites down to ninth while Palace moves up to 13th after the result.

Joachim Andersen gifted Palace the advantage with an own goal in the 37th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. After that mistake from the defender, Palace bunkered down and waited for counterattack opportunities. Despite having just 38 percent of possession, the club would seal its win with a Daniel Munoz strike that was assisted by Jean-Philippe Mateta.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Richards was tied for GOAL's highest-rated player of the match, with a 7.8 rating. The American defender put in a shift with six clearances, two tackles, and 76.9 percent passing.

Robinson was solid with a 6.6 rating, having five clearances, connecting on one cross, and completing 84.2 percent of his passes.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Despite not having a goal contribution, Robinson remains tied for second in Premier League assists with 10 as of Saturday.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PALACE, FULHAM?

Fulham will look to turn things around when they travel to Wolves on Tuesday. Palace will be looking for consecutive wins but faces a tall task when hosting Aston Villa on the same day.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s current contract still set to expire in the summer, one potential replacement has now reportedly crept up Liverpool’s list of priorities in 2025.

Liverpool transfer news

On the pitch, things can’t get much better for Liverpool, who have lost just one game under Arne Slot in all competitions. Even when rotated, the Dutchman’s side managed to get the job done against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup thanks to Cody Gakpo’s impressive brace and Luis Diaz’s effort from the bench in Sussex.

Away from the action, however, things aren’t going so smoothly. As things stand, Liverpool are set to bid farewell to Mohamed Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk on free deals at the end of the season in what would be the ultimate disaster for those at Anfield.

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He’s a La Masia graduate.

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Left with no choice but to at least sound out replacements whilst those contract situations remain unsolved, the likes of Arda Guler have been linked to replace Salah and now one other European star has been placed among the names to potentially replace Alexander-Arnold.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now prioritising a move to sign Achraf Hakimi to replace Alexander-Arnold, but face competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City in pursuit of the Paris Saint-Germain defender’s signature.

Having featured for Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and now PSG throughout his career, adding Liverpool to an impressive CV would be rather fitting for a player of Hakimi’s stature. Earning a reported £233,000-a-week, however, it remains to be seen whether the Reds would pay such a price, given that only Salah currently earns more than that at Anfield.

The Morroco international is, nonetheless, the type of player who could replace Alexander-Arnold which makes 2025 all the more interesting.

"Incredible" Hakimi one of few who could replace Alexander-Arnold

Although a different type of attacking full-back – perhaps more the traditional kind than one who will step into midfield like Alexander-Arnold – Hakimi should be among the top candidates to replace the Liverpool star should he decide to depart Anfield in the summer. The former Borussia Dortmund ace, whose speed was once dubbed “incredible” by Marco Reus, would be adding one more string to his bow by completing a move to the Premier League.

Goals

1

0

Assists

3

1

Ball Recoveries

42

36

Key Passes

23

17

Even though it may seem like Hakimi has been at the top of European football forever, he is still just 25 years old and a player with plenty more to offer. If the Reds can find a way past his hefty salary then the right-back should arguably be the leading candidate to replace Alexander-Arnold at Anfield.

Of course, however, the Liverpool academy graduate would put pen to paper on a new deal in the most ideal world. Whether that proves to the reality in Merseyside, rather than the dream, remains to be seen.