All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to bring Leeds United star Raphinha to Anfield, following another impressive performance.

The Brazilian played a key role in the Whites’ 2-1 win away to Fulham on Friday night, scoring the winning goal at Craven Cottage.

Raphinha has proven to be a superb signing since arriving from Rennes last October, bringing a huge amount of quality to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

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His winner on Friday was his sixth goal in the Premier League this season, with the 24-year-old also chipping in with five assists.

Such has been Raphinha’s level of performance in 2020/21, Liverpool have been linked with snapping him up from Elland Road this summer.

The forward is viewed as someone who could add more quality and depth to the Reds’ attack, potentially acting as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, considering he is four years younger.

On Friday’s evidence, Raphinha would be a wonderful addition to Liverpool’s squad, as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to respond from a hugely disappointing defence of their league title.

Liverpool fans react to Raphinha’s brilliance

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to Raphinha’s performance.

“Sign Raphinha I beg you”

Credit: @AnfieldVibe

“I think Jurgen would turn Raphinha into an absolute baller.”Credit: @smtm_LFC75″I love Raphinha”Credit: @LFCArran”We need to get Raphinha”Credit: @lfc_ik”Get RAPHINHA signed up NOW”Credit: @TLalia”Raphinha took that very well I really want him at LFC next season”Credit: @Bonalbio24In other news, one Liverpool star is expected to leave this summer, but it’s not Gini Wijnaldum. Find out who it is here.

South Africa manager Eddie Ntseki has confirmed the Bafana Bafana will be without Glasgow Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu for their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan on Sunday.

Zungu unavailable

Zungu had already been ruled out of South Africa’s clash with Ghana in his homeland after Rangers refused to let him travel there, but it seemed he would be available for the Sudan match (Sowetan Live).

Now, though, Ntseki has revealed he will also be unavailable for that game too. He said (via The South African):

“We got an email from Zungu’s club to say they are no longer releasing him – whether it’s coming to South Africa or going to Sudan.

“I then spoke to him and explained the situation, and he said, ‘It’s a decision that will work against me if ever I force to come to Sudan.’

“We saw a new list of countries that are being referred to as ‘red zones’, and in this case we have Dubai and Ethiopia, which is where players were going to have to come via to get to Sudan.”

Disappointing

This is no doubt a huge disappointment for both Ntseki and Zungu – the former has already shared his frustration at not having Zungu for the Ghana fixture. In 2021, the 28-year-old has played just 112 minutes in the Premiership (Transfermarkt) and is clearly not a big part of Steven Gerrard’s plans. The international break should have given him an opportunity to get some much needed playing time, but that will now not be the case.

Unfortunately, this is becoming a more and more regular occurrence given the coronavirus pandemic we are currently living through. Zungu will just have to hope that, with the Premiership title already sewn up at Ibrox, he may now get more chances to play at club level.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at an update on this 34-year-old.

Despite having had their UEFA Champions League journey ended on Wednesday evening against Real Madrid, Liverpool went out of the competition with a fight.

The Reds turned in a fantastic showing at Anfield, the only thing missing was the goals – their 3-1 defeat in Madrid eventually saw them eliminated.

One man who was key to Liverpool’s performance was right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was a constant thorn in the side of Los Blancos.

Having netted the winner against Aston Villa at Anfield last time out, the 22-year-old turned in another scintillating attacking performance.

Throughout the 90 minutes, he provided a huge 17 crosses from the right-flank, five of those being accurate, according to WhoScored.

Whilst that looks somewhat wasteful, six of his passes did end up being key passes. For comparison, the entirety of the Real Madrid team could only produce five key passes of their own, emphasising just how effective Alexander-Arnold was from an attacking standpoint for the home side.

Indeed, but for better finishing from his Liverpool teammates, such as Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, the England man might have racked himself up a handful of assists in what would have been a brilliant comeback win from his side.

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Whilst Alexander-Arnold was exhilarating from an attacking sense, he did not allow his defensive responsibilities to be forgotten.

Throughout the game, he produced two tackles and three interceptions. In the end, only centre-back Nathaniel Phillips produced more than his total five defensive contributions.

Previously dubbed “wonderful” by Jurgen Klopp, the right-back’s performance was certainly befitting of that praise and of course the occasion.

It was just a shame that his teammates could not match that as Liverpool’s Champions League fight came to a bruising end against Real Madrid.

AND in more news, take a look at our player ratings from the Reds’ 0-0 draw against Los Blancos on Wednesday…

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Real Madrid remain ‘determined’ to offload Gareth Bale despite his return to form recently – which this report believes is a ‘potential boost for Tottenham’ as the Galacticos look to fund potentially signing either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.

Indeed, as per this update from the Mail, Bale’s stunning return to form under Jose Mourinho has motivated hopes of them being able to strike a deal with Spurs or any permanent taker at the end of the season.

Gareth Bale breakdown

The Welshman, who has been directly involved in the build up to nine goals over his last six outings for Spurs, is momentarily back to his best at Hotspur Way.

He is now a member of the touted ‘BASK’ attacking quartet which Mourinho is often urged to deploy for Tottenham, with the acronym spelling out Bale, Alli, Son and Kane.

The Mail also claim an approach is expected from Tottenham at the end of the season over a possible negotiation to extend his stay in north London, provided he continues this fine run.

Transfer Tavern take

In another potential boost for Spurs surrounding Bale, despite arguably being left out in the cold by Mourinho at points this season, he is understood to be ‘keen’ on extending his spell if it can be agreed.

Madrid’s eagerness to offload despite his form could indeed come as a positive for Tottenham, but only time will tell whether they elect to extend the 31-year-old’s stay.

In other news: Tottenham are still eyeing this ‘shining light’, find out more here.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham has been linked to a loan move to the Premier League as Newcastle show interest in his services. According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, the Magpies are looking to get a deal over the line to acquire the Frenchman before the January transfer window slams shut.

Steve Bruce is looking to bolster his options in midfield and out of favour Ntcham is seemingly one of his top targets.

Although they are only looking to sign him temporarily, it could foreshadow the 24-year-old’s future, which looks like it will be away from Celtic Park.

Olivier Ntcham’s Celtic days numbered

Ntcham currently has just 18 months left on his current contract with the Bhoys and heading out on loan this month could suggest that a permanent move is on the horizon.

The France youth international has slipped down the pecking order this season after Neil Lennon took a punt on promoting Ismaila Soro to the first team. Along with David Turnbull, the midfielder has seriously impressed since he was given his chance, even usurping Scott Brown on more than one occasion.

According to Transfermarkt, Ntcham has missed out on Celtic’s last eight Premiership fixtures. Although he missed two matches through self-isolation, Lennon has dropped him from his usual role in the team.

As a midfielder who can sit back but also contribute to the attack, he should be one of the first names on the team-sheet. However, his 2020/21 season has left a lot to be desired.

Ntcham has just one goal and two assists across competitions so far. Even in games where Lennon deployed him as a centre-forward, he has struggled to make an impact.

Should he move to Newcastle for the last half of the season, Ntcham will likely be gaining a lot more game time than he is right now.

As he continues to stay out favour under Lennon, a permanent transfer could become a priority for him. Although the boss has waxed lyrical about the midfield man – recently lauding him as one “hell of a player” – Ntcham’s lack of game time is a glaring hint that he could end up moving on from Celtic in the very near future.

In other news, Exclusive: Rob Lee dismisses idea of Frank Lampard to Celtic…

As Tottenham Hotspur gear up to face West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday, manager Jose Mourinho has dropped an enticing claim surrounding star front man Harry Kane – with the Portuguese believing he will be ‘OK and ready’ for the match. 

Kane missed Tottenham’s 4-1 victory away to Wolfsberger, with the likes of Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura putting in noteworthy performances, and there was brief worries surrounding his fitness and another potential injury.

Reliable Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold then relayed ‘positive news for Spurs fans’ by sharing that Kane didn’t pick up a fresh injury – with Mourinho since claiming his absence was a precautionary measure.

Jose Mourinho drops enticing Tottenham claim

The Englishman opted out of the Europa League trip in order to not take a risk after coming back from his latest knock, and the Spurs boss has since dropped an enticing claim that he should be fit to take on the Hammers.

“His feelings were that to play this game could be a risk with the accumulation of minutes and the accumulation of minutes after the injury that he had,” he explained to the press (via football.london).

“Of course myself and the medical department, we agreed with him in giving him this opportunity to take care of his condition, but I believe on Sunday he will be OK and ready.”

Transfer Tavern take

Given Kane’s importance to this Tottenham team, this could come as a huge sigh of relief given he wasn’t left out due to another injury.

The precautionary measure could be a smart move as Mourinho will not want to take risks involving his star striker, and the notion he is likely to be available for West Ham is undoubtedly good news.

In other news: Tottenham are eyeing this £17.4 million-rated star, find out more here.

John Collins has shied away from backing his former colleague John Kennedy for the Celtic manager’s job full-time, warning that it’s a ‘different ball game’ to his prior roles.

Collins and Kennedy both supported Ronny Deila when he was in charge at Parkhead between 2014 and 2016.

The 37-year-old is now interim manager at the club after Neil Lennon tendered his resignation in late February.

Is Kennedy a long-term candidate?

Whilst he is a stop-gap solution on paper, Kennedy could theoretically force his way into long-term contention with a strong run of results.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, of course, was only placed in temporary charge of Manchester United but was able to convince the club’s hierarchy that he could be a permanent solution after impressing in a caretaker capacity, and he is still at the helm more than two years on.

Collins hailed Kennedy as a ‘terrific coach’ but ultimately doubts his credentials for one of the biggest jobs in Britain.

“He’s got vast experience on the training pitch,” he said on BBC’s Sportsound. “There’s no doubt he’s a terrific coach. But it’s a different ball game stepping up to be manager, I think.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

At this stage, it remains too early to cast a definitive judgement on Kennedy, who has scant experience as a first team boss.

We mustn’t forget that he has only overseen two matches at this point – the first a 1-0 win over fourth-placed Aberdeen and the second a goalless draw away to Dundee United.

If he were to guide his team to victory in Sunday’s Old Firm and go onto win on the Scottish Cup, Celtic would have to at least consider him.

However, you could understand if supporters demanded a more established name instead, and Collins’ reservations seem legitimate.

In other news, this former Celtic boss endorsed Kennedy on Monday.

If Wolves do any business this window, it has been mooted that it’ll be in the loan market or on a short term deal.

Thus, a new link has rather caught us by surprise.

What’s the word?

According to De Telegraaf (Via Football Oranje) Wolves are one of two sides interested in signing young Ajax striker Lassina Traore.

The 19-year-old has been seriously impressive in senior football this term and also has West Brom chasing his signature.

Unfortunately, Ajax do not want to lose him in January and thus, willing suitors may have to wait until January to prise him away from the Netherlands.

Traore is valued at just £7.2m according to Transfermarkt, but given his form and age, you can be assured that Wolves will have to pay a larger sum of money to bring him to the Premier League.

Silva upgrade

On the face of it, signing another impressive young striker probably isn’t a good idea. However, when opportunities such as this present themselves, they cannot be ignored.

Traore has very quickly proven himself to be a generational talent and despite being a teenager, he’s already finding the net with eye-catching regularity in the Eredivisie.

This season, the youngster has found the net on seven occasions in just 11 outings. To add to that, the attacker has also registered six assists and added two further goals in other competitions.

The centre-forward clearly has a lot in his locker and it speaks volumes that he’s already scored more goals at senior level than Fabio Silva – someone who cost Wolves £35.6m last summer.

Silva has netted only four goals at senior level and although he’s a year Traore’s junior at 18, it’s clear the Burkina Faso international has more potential.

He has come out of nowhere this season and has put weight issues to one side to become one of the most feared young strikers on the globe. Described as someone who is on their “way to the top” by Marc Overmars, Traore is already held in high esteem.

He would be an astute acquisition, one who could either take Silva’s place or reinvent Nuno Santo’s forward line.

AND in other news, Forget Diego Costa: Wolves must swoop for 51-cap demon who’s “outstanding physically”…

Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate Kazaiah Sterling looks like he’s heading for a dismal end to his career in north London. Like many other players, the striker hoped he would follow in similar footsteps to club legend Harry Kane but unfortunately, he has fallen short of the mark.

Despite showing his skill in the club’s reserve leagues, Sterling has failed to make it count during his loan spell with Southend United this season. In fact, all of the 22-year-old’s loan stints have been disappointing and he has struggled to replicate his form from playing in the Tottenham youth sides.

As it stands, the striker has made just two senior appearances for Spurs and it doesn’t look like he will get any more chances.

His current contract is due to expire next summer and there have been no talks of integrating Sterling into the first team. Despite Mauricio Pochettino handing him his debut in the Champions League in 2017, the forward has struggled to grab the attention of current boss, Jose Mourinho.

Sterling has featured ten times for Southend this campaign but has only managed to score the one goal. His strike came in a 6-1 demolishing at the hands of Colchester United which knocked them out of the EFL Cup. He is also yet to score in the league and has been on the winning side just once out of eight matches played, via Transfermarkt.

It’s not a promising look for a 22-year-old Spurs prospect to struggle to find the back of the net in League Two. It’s certainly not likely that he will return from loan and begin training with the senior squad, especially with Mourinho now firmly setting his sights on winning the league with the Lilywhites.

Sterling will have the likes of Troy Parrott and potentially Carlos Vinicius to contend with when he returns too.

Despite former coach Ugo Ehiogu lauding Sterling as a “combative” attacking player, the reality is that he just isn’t up for the task of Premier League football.

In other news, Jean-Philippe Mateta has Mourinho green with envy following 38-minute hat-trick…

Tottenham Hotspur suffered their first defeat in the Premier League since the opening day as they relinquished their place at the top of the table.

Jose Mourinho’s side were beaten by defending champions Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday evening after Roberto Firmino headed home the match-winner in injury time.

Heung-min Son had cancelled out Mo Salah’s deflected opening strike all before half-time, but Spurs attackers Harry Kane and Steven Bergwijn squandered at least four chances between them whilst the game was still all-square.

The Reds have now gone three points clear of the north Londoners going into the weekend’s fixtures.

Whilst Mourinho will undoubtedly be fuming with his side’s inability to convert chances on the night, he could well be even more embarrassed by the display from Ben Davies at left-back.

It was a mighty call to start the Welshman over usual first-choice Sergio Reguilon, one that we also backed prior to kick-off but it evidently didn’t pay off whatsoever.

The £18m-rated full-back was abysmal with the ball at his feet, making just 32% of his 19 passing attempts whilst also losing possession 14 times and failing to record a single accurate cross or long ball (seven attempts), via SofaScore.

Davies did do his defensive duties somewhat, managing four clearances, two interceptions and one tackle, though he hardly offered Son much respite in the attack, something that perhaps the snubbed Spaniard would’ve done.

The Express graded the 27-year-old a disappointing five out of ten in their post-match ratings, and summed up his performance by saying: “Much like Aurier on the other side, was restricted by the amount of attacking fervour on display from the home side.”

With Leicester City on Sunday, Mourinho may need to think again before selecting the £65k-per-week calamity – the Foxes will be looking to bounce back themselves having lost at home to Everton last night too.

AND in other news, Worse than Bergwijn: £108m-rated Spurs star who won only 33% duels cost Mourinho badly…