All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Aston Villa fans are reacting to the latest comments from Dean Smith on injured star and attacking midfielder Jack Grealish.

Grealish’s return date is unconfirmed at the moment, but the Villa manager tried to shed as much light as possible as he said: “I saw him before the game and he said to me if he gets on the grass he’s playing (vs Newcastle). But I said to him, ‘I’ve got to pick you first!’ which he laughed at…”

The Villans are definitely missing an attacking threat without the talisman as they drew 0-0 against rivals Wolves on Saturday night. With the English international picking up six goals and ten assists this season (WhoScored), he could have been the difference between a draw and a win.

The only worrying thing about this latest update on the player is that he is still not back on the grass, and this may be a cause of concern for many fans of the club.

Hopefully the fact that they are mentioning the Newcastle game as a possibility means that he will be back, but for now it seems “touch-and-go”, in the words of Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece.

Here is how Villa fans reacted to the comments from Smith:

“I don’t get it. Surely if he’s pain free and the players wants to play, no-one knows better than the player? Our medical staff are OTT.”

Credit: @AvfcSims

“That sounds hopeful that he will be back for Newcastle. Thought that midfield in first half was excellent, jack in the team and Traore other side or another winger and that is a real strong team”

Credit: @NashNash194

“We need Jack even if he is limping!”

Credit: @techvesting1

“Shouldn’t be needing to rush Jack against the likes of Newcastle, on the bench would still be a boost.”

Credit: @CS_UTV

“Don’t rush him back half fit we’re not in a relegation battle now.”

Credit: @jamsey55

“Judging by the second half display today, he will need to pick Jack even if he is half of his usual self”

Credit: @Berdan08914685

In other Villa news, some fans have been piling praise on one star at the club following his latest comments. Have a read who it is here!

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared what he has been told regarding the future of Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic.

Grujic to leave?

The 24-year-old has been pretty much ostracised by manager Jurgen Klopp for some time, even though he was the German tactician’s first signing for the Reds after he was appointed back in 2015.

Grujic has just 16 first-team appearances during that timeframe, scoring just once and providing one assist. He’s also had various loan spells with the likes of Cardiff City, Red Star Belgrade and Hertha Berlin (TransferMarkt).

His fortunes looked to be changing earlier this season after putting in impressive performances against the likes of Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal at Anfield, but he was quickly shipped off to FC Porto for the campaign.

Speaking to Anfield Watch, Romano said that Grujic’s days on Merseyside are pretty much numbered.

“For sure, [Liverpool] are looking to sell some players in the summer, ones that aren’t always in the team at the moment,” Romano told Anfield Watch.

“Marko Grujic, I’m told, could be involved in some possible swap deals next summer if Liverpool have some good opportunities to add in midfield or in defence.

“He could be an interesting player to offer so they will try to do something smart again, as they have (done) previously with the Diogo Jota deal, for example.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Only Klopp will know why Grujic has not featured for Liverpool – as there does not appear to be any clear explanation regarding his lack of inclusion.

If Grujic is not going to get the opportunity to play, then it is probably best for both parties if he is allowed to leave in the summer.

In other news, Paul Robinson slams Liverpool following David Ornstein’s transfer development.

According to reports, Leeds United are interested in making a move for Torino’s Nicolas Nkoulou in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Despite Marcelo Bielsa’s side adding another two options to their centre-back ranks last summer with the signings of Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, it appears the Leeds boss isn’t done with reinforcing that area of the pitch.

Now, according to Italian publication CalcioMercato (via Sport Witness), the Premier League outfit have got their sights set on luring Nkoulou to Elland Road once his contract expires at the end of the season.

The report adds that Nkoulou’s signing is a special request from Bielsa himself, and that given how he worked with the centre-back in his time at Marseille, is someone who he values very much.

Orta masterclass

With Llorente and Koch both arriving for significant transfer fees last summer, swooping for someone of Nkoulou’s experience on a free transfer just seems like a shrewd way of strengthening Leeds’ options at centre-back.

The 72-cap Cameroon international has got vasts amount of top-level experience in his time playing for a number of European clubs, including the likes of Marseille, Lyon, Monaco and current club Torino.

Given the fact he won’t cost Andrea Radrizzani a penny in terms of a transfer fee, this has all the makings of being a real masterclass from Victor Orta.

This has been a topsy-turvy spell for Wolverhampton Wanderers, one filled with change rather than familiarity.

It’s not often we can say that about Nuno Santo’s team but he’s been forced into making a few switch-ups over the last month.

For the first time during his spell at Molineux, he moved to a four-man backline against Southampton. With that formation he engineered a draw with the Saints and a win over Arsenal but things quickly unravelled against Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Reverting to a three-man backline did the trick versus Chelsea last time out as the Old Gold secured a 2-1 win.

In some senses, a trip to Turf Moor could be trickier, though. Here’s the XI we’re predicting Nuno to pick on Monday evening.

As you can see, the Wolves coach could prefer his tried and test system once again – using an unchanged formation from the one that defeated the Blues.

However, there are two changes to the side that won last week.

The first to note is that there is no Ruben Neves. The Portuguese started just his third game in the last five against Chelsea in place of the suspended Joao Moutinho but with his fellow countryman set to return on Monday, Neves drops out.

For one reason or another, Nuno doesn’t see the young central midfielder as one of the first names on the team sheet anymore.

The other change is in attack where the £22.5m-rated Fabio Silva is axed from the XI. It may seem harsh but the teenager may struggle against a bullish Clarets backline.

He hasn’t scored in the Premier League yet and consequently, we’re tipping Adama Traore to be recalled and start next to the lively Pedro Neto.

Given his physical qualities, Traore could be the right man to upset the likes of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.

We think that Wolves’ defence will be unchanged with Marcal keeping his place ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri. Unfortunately, Raul Jimenez is still out and recovering from a fractured skull.

AND in other news, Shi could land Wolves their next Saiss in “incredible” 35-cap talent…

Many Wolves fans couldn’t get enough of attacker Adama Traore after their 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace last night.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side advanced to the next round of the FA Cup for the first time in two seasons in what was a professional performance by the hosts at Molineux, and the 24-year-old made the difference on the night thanks to his first-half strike.

Traore was the second-highest rated Wolves player on the night and played a key part in Wolves’ success.

Per Sofascore, Traore completed 100% of his dribbles, completed all of his long balls and accumulated a pass success rate of 87%.

With this in mind, supporters were delighted to see the Spaniard back amongst the goals, who are looking to see what else he can produce during the rest of the 2020/21 campaign.

Fans laud Traore

“Adama is unstoppable, fantastic and key player to anyone particularly to Wolves that really need a stronger ST to take advantage of all his power!”

Credit: @Chris_dreamX

“Love the passion”

Credit: @04kibra

“Back with a bang”

Credit: @bashenga3334

“Thunderbolt and lightning”

Credit: @bowen_07

“Fantastic shot”

Credit: @gorgon205

“Gorgeous goal”

Credit: @ChudPhoto

In other news, ‘Unplayable’ Wolves star wants Molineux exit with interest coming from a familiar face.

Leicester are ready to host Fulham at the King Power Stadium this evening as they look to add another important three points to their current total. The Foxes are one of the front-running teams so far this season and a win today will see them sneak into second place, overtaking both Chelsea and Liverpool.

In Brendan Rodgers’ press conference ahead of their Europa League clash against Sporting Braga, he gave fans a huge injury boost regarding Timothy Castagne. The boss reported that the right-back could be available for selection this evening after being out of action with a hamstring injury.

Castagne returning would be a huge boost for Leicester, especially after he received a glowing review from Alan Shearer for being at the “top of his game”.

The 24-year-old joined the club during the summer on a £50,000 per week contract after the absence of Ricardo Pereira seriously impacted the team. He has made six Premier League appearances so far and has contributed a goal and two assists, showing off his ability to get forward as well as defend (via Transfermarkt).

Castagne fits nicely into Rodgers’ frequent chopping and changing of his backline. He slots naturally into the standard right-back position when part of a back four, but he also operates well further forwards.

His versatility to play as both a defender and a midfielder suits Leicester and their keen eye for a goal. The Belgian will likely get in on the attacking action this evening if he starts the match but a clean sheet will be the perfect comeback to keep his morale and confidence high.

In other news, Ricardo Pereira’s U23 appearance is exactly what Rodgers needed…

A resilient Manchester United fought back to see off a spirited West Ham in the London Stadium that saw the Red Devils record their ninth away win in a row in the Premier League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side bounced back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford to climb to fourth in the table.

However, it didn’t exactly go to plan, as United went in 1-0 down after Tomas Soucek buried a header at the far post.

But goals from Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood and impact substitute Marcus Rashford in the second half spared Solskjaer’s blushes as United moved two points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table.

Bruno Fernandes pulled the strings, Pogba looked back to his very best, but this doesn’t excuse the abysmal display by others who were fortunate enough to be entrusted with a start, none more so than Anthony Martial, who has seemed devoid of confidence since the start of the season. The Frenchman’s market value is estimated at €90m, which is roughly £81m, via the CIES Football Observatory (CIES). 

If their calculations are to be believed, he had nothing to show for it – SofaScore graded the 25-year-old with a terrible rating of 6.2 out of ten – the worst out of any United player on the pitch including Edinson Cavani (6.5) – as he lost possession 10 times, won just two duels from nine attempts, was caught offside twice, dribbled past once and only took one shot on target.

The Daily Mirror gave Martial a 4/10 and claimed he ‘failed to look a threat and his disappointing season continues,’ whilst The Manchester Evening News went even further in their scathing assessment, insisting he was ‘weak on the ball and West Ham preyed on his flakiness.’

It’s no wonder, then, that the passenger was replaced by Juan Mata, although we do have to ask the question why he even started at the London Stadium in the first place, and he ought to be nervously looking over his shoulder after Greenwood and Rashford got themselves on the scoresheet, so his place in the starting line-up can no longer be guaranteed.

He came close to levelling the score after he latched onto a sensational pass from Fernandes shortly after the break but was flagged offside to sum up his frustrating night.

Martial’s sixth start of the campaign could be his last for quite some time after his poor performance with next week’s home fixture against derby rivals Manchester City firmly in the front of Solskjaer’s mind. There’s no doubt the United boss will have to reconsider his options ahead of what will be a hotly-contested clash towards the top of the table.

AND in other news, Forget Sancho: Manchester United must swoop for Erling Braut Haaland…

Harry Wilson may have made his situation at Liverpool worse after putting in a disappointing performance on the international stage. The Welshman had very little impact on his country’s UEFA Nations League match against Ireland and was subbed off after 67 minutes.

He is currently in somewhat of a grey area with his club after being linked to a move away in the summer. He looks set to join another Championship side on loan this season, but it appears his Liverpool career could be coming to an end.

Wilson could leave Liverpool

The Wales international is squandering his chances of staying in the Anfield set-up. After parting ways with Rhian Brewster, and Xherdan Shaqiri also linked to an exit, Wilson’s time to step up could be now. He was given the chance to impress during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal, but the versatile winger went completely under the radar.

Despite his impressive loan spells with the likes of Derby and Bournemouth, Wilson has struggled to impress Jurgen Klopp. The 23-year-old has made just two senior appearances for the Merseyside outfit and has not yet been trusted to feature in the Premier League. However, he certainly has the capability. During his time with the Cherries, he scored seven top flight goals with one even coming against Manchester City (via Transfermarkt).

But completing just 17 passes and only 1/2 dribbles against Ireland is not a notable performance for the playmaker. Wilson also  lost possession 11 times and made an error that led to an opposition shot (via Sofascore). Despite boasting the ability to play on either wing and in midfield, his recent stats certainly aren’t doing him any favours and he could be headed for the door soon.

Especially in comparison to rising stars Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, the 18-cap Wales performer’s progress seems to have stagnated at Liverpool and a move may be best for all parties involved.

In other news, Solid England display from Jordan Henderson is much-needed boost for Liverpool ahead of Everton clash…

Aston Villa dodged a major bullet in the summer transfer window by not signing Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

What was the story?

A report from All Nigeria Soccer back in late July suggested that both Villa and newly-promoted West Brom had joined the race to sign the striker.

It was claimed that Dean Smith’s side were keen for attacking reinforcements, particularly after the disappointing start of Mbwana Samatta. And, it was also revealed that Iheanacho himself would have been appealed by a move to either Villa or West Brom because he wouldn’t have needed to move house.

In the end, the Nigeria international stayed put at the King Power Stadium, whilst Villa ended up signing Brentford’s Ollie Watkins.

Worse than Samatta

After Leicester shelled out a reported £25m to sign Iheanacho from Manchester City, then Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare made it clear that he felt they had landed a major coup.

He said: “It’s a great signing for us. Kelechi is an enormously talented player that has shown a huge amount of promise at every level in which he’s played. We’ve tracked his progress for some time, so we know how much quality he’ll bring to the squad. He’s young, he’s hungry, he’s ready for the next stage of his development and I’m delighted that will be with Leicester City.”

Since then however, the Nigerian has struggled to live up to expectations, managing just 21 goals in 94 games. To put that into context, he matched that same amount of strikes in exactly 30 games less at the Etihad.

And when you look at how he fares compared to Samatta – now on loan at Turkish giants Fenerbahce –  then it’s clear Villa dodged a bullet. As per Whoscored, Iheanacho has a career average of just 1.1 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game, whilst Samatta has managed 1.7 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per match.

Neither have been the most prolific of goal-scorers, with them both not being able to reach double figures in a league campaign. Villa signing Iheanacho would have landed them someone even worse than what they already had on their hands.

Plenty of Everton fans have been lauding Ellis Simms as Patrick Boyland wrote a profile of the youngster for The Athletic.

The football writer cited a quite brilliant 2018/19 term for the Under-18’s, in which Simms finished as the Premier League 2’s top scorer with 32 goals, seven ahead of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun with 25 and 10 ahead of Manchester United and England star Mason Greenwood (22).

Boyland also referenced a season that he had for Blackburn Rovers at under-nine level, in which he scored over 100 goals.

Now 19 years of age, Simms will be looking to break through into the first-team squad under Carlo Ancelotti in the new 2020/21 campaign, where he can learn from the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and thus continue his development.

These members of the Goodison Park faithful lauded the young prospect on Twitter, as they feel that he either needs to get some game-time in the first-team or be sent out on loan to further his development:

Evertonians, will Simms break into the first team? Comment below!