England will be sporting unique warm-up tops ahead of their friendly date with Scotland, but why are they being worn and can they be bought?
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Crystal Palace fell to a humbling 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.
Despite having some promising moments, the Eagles were second best in the capital, with braces from Harry Kane and Gareth Bale securing a thumping win for the hosts.
One silver lining for Roy Hodgson’s troops though was seeing Wilfried Zaha back in action, having been out with an injury since early February.
However, it was not the return that either his manager or teammates will have wanted.
Given a place on the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Ivorian international was introduced at half-time with the scores level at 1-1.
It was thought that the £45m-rated winger could have given the Eagles some fresh attacking impetus but he, in fact, did the opposite.
Throughout his second-half appearance, he could only accumulate 16 touches of the ball according to WhoScored – only fellow substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta had fewer in the entire Crystal Palace side.
Even when Zaha received the ball, he was simply not able to do anything with it.
He only had one shot, which was off target, and did not provide a single key pass.
Zaha also conspired to lose the ball on multiple occasions throughout his second-half cameo, getting dispossessed twice and having another unsuccessful touch.
His passing also painted a damning picture of his poor performance. Racking up a horrendous passing accuracy of just 33%, which is by far and away the worst by any player on the pitch, you may have been forgiven for thinking that Zaha was indeed lining up for the opposing team.
To compound his teammates’ frustrations, the winger was also caught offside on three occasions in 45 minutes. Whilst this could be down to disciplined defending from the home side, it is of no consolation to the Eagles who saw their attacks abruptly halted when attempting to find Zaha, who seemed to be a bit lazy in terms of his discipline of reading the line.
His performance could be understandable considering his long lay off in recent weeks but Hodgson will surely be demanding more as his star man regains his match sharpness.
AND in more news, read more about the Eagles’ links with £22m-rated Mostafa Mohamed…
Lionel Messi has decided that his next sporting adventure will take him to the United States, with the Argentine icon linking up with Inter Miami.
Having starred in Europe for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, winning countless major honours along the way, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is preparing to take his unique skill set to MLS. Messi will be joining forces with David Beckham in Florida – with the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England star now a co-owner in Miami.
The arrival of Messi in America is understandably causing quite a stir, with interest from Barca and the Middle East being snubbed in favour of heading to DRV PNK Stadium, but when will he be seen in action for the first time? GOAL takes a look…
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been handed a huge boost ahead of Tuesday’s game against Leeds United, as Oriol Romeu could feature at St Mary’s this evening.
The Spanish midfielder had been expected to miss the rest of the season when he broke his ankle in the reverse fixture against Leeds at Elland Road in February, but he recently made his return to training and could feature against Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the teams’ penultimate Premier League fixture of the campaign.
Hasenhuttl confirmed in his pre-match conference that Romeu would be in the squad to face Leeds on Tuesday, although he hinted that the midfielder might well start on the bench.
Earlier in the season, Romeu and James Ward-Prowse established a formidable partnership in midfield and complimented each other brilliantly, which was a key factor in the Saints topping the Premier League table for the first time in their history in November.
Despite being absent for so long, the 29-year-old is still rated as one of Hasenhuttl’s top players in the Premier League this season, with his 6.97 average rating from WhoScored ranking him as the second-best performer so far this term.
It was no surprise that Southampton’s form between March and April was largely woeful, as Ibrahima Diallo has struggled to step up in the Spaniard’s absence, whilst Stuart Armstrong simply doesn’t offer the same defensive qualities as Romeu.
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No player in Southampton’s squad who has played at least five times this season has averaged more tackles per game than Romeu, which emphasises his industrious style of play in the middle and also allows for Ward-Prowse to push forward in midfield, safe in the knowledge that Romeu will be there to cover for him.
After signing a new deal in October last year, Hasenhuttl was full of praise for the midfielder, saying: “He’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever seen. When you see him as a professional, how he reacts when he’s not first choice, it’s unbelievable.”
Whilst Leeds come into this game in fine form, Southampton have won two home games in the last week and will want to finish the season as strongly as possible, so the return of one of their top performers in midfield may well concern Leeds manager Bielsa ahead of the game at St Mary’s.
In other news… Semmens disaster: Southampton missed out on “outstanding” Premier League gem with 21 G/A
West Ham United are said to be one of the teams keen on signing Yves Bissouma ahead of the summer transfer window…
That’s according to the Daily Star, who have claimed that the Irons have made inquiries to Brighton and Hove Albion over the potential of signing their star midfielder.
However, it is thought that Premier League rivals Arsenal are leading the race to secure his signature, whilst Everon and Spurs are also mooted with interest.
The 24-year-old has two years still to run on his Seagulls contract and is thought to be valued at around £30m.
A new central midfielder likely won’t be top of David Moyes’ priorities given that he so desperately needs attacking options, in particular an alternative to the injury-prone Michail Antonio, but things could quickly change.
The Hammers are on the verge of achieving something extraordinary in qualifying for the Champions League but even despite that, Declan Rice’s future continues to be shrouded in mystery.
According to the Mirror, Manchester United are eyeing him up as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba at Old Trafford, whilst Moyes did reveal that he would consider any huge bids that come forward for his talismanic midfielder.
Bissouma would be an ideal successor, should West Ham lose out on the 22-year-old, who has been hailed as the “future captain” of the club. Rice would evidently leave some pretty big boots to fill but the Mali international has been a rare bright spark in Brighton’s poor campaign.
In terms of reading the game and possessing the ability to thwart the opposition, the former Lille man stacks up well to Moyes’ current options, averaging more tackles per game (2.8) than Rice (1.9) and Tomas Soucek (1.9).
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Whilst in terms of interceptions, Bissouma (1.7 per game) is ahead of the Czech midfielder (1.6) and only just behind Rice (two). He also offers a little more going forward than the England international too.
As per WhoScored, the Seagulls powerhouse likes to drift forward with the ball, averaging 1.5 dribbles (vs Rice’s 0.9) and also likes to have a pop at goal, just like Soucek (1.6), having averaged 1.2 attempts per game this term.
Bissouma’s ex-teammate at the Amex Stadium, Dale Stephens, waxed lyrical about his ability to local reporters in 2019. He said: “He’s got the ability of perhaps a winger playing in central midfield with the way he can go past players. His feet are incredible and I’m sure he’s going to get better and better. He’s got everything you need to be a top player.”
Whilst his former manager Chris Hughton, now in charge of Nottingham Forest, dubbed him a “wonderful talent” to The Argus (via Goal). Gary Lineker lauded him as an “exceptional footballer” and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher believes teams will be queueing up to bid for him this summer.
The praise is endless.
With a similar playing style to Yaya Toure, there are certainly comparisons to be had with Rice and if Moyes were to lose such a big talent, then GSB should look no further than Bissouma as the man to replace him.
If they do choose to sell Rice this summer, GSB must look to beat Arsenal to Bissouma’s signature and provide Moyes with a suitable successor.
AND in other news, 5 key passes, 4 shots: West Ham’s £18m-rated “team player” fired Moyes a huge message…
Derby County remained in the Championship after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park on the final day of the season.
Sam Hutchinson gave Wednesday the lead in the relegation shoot-out on the stroke of half-time.
Martyn Waghorn equalised four minutes into the second half before an excellent Patrick Roberts strike gave Derby the advantage.
Incredibly, though, the visitors then wrestled back control through goals from Callum Paterson and Julian Borner.
But Kamil Jozwiak entered the fray on 73 minutes, replacing Graham Shinnie, and he came up with a crucial contribution.
The Pole won a penalty just over 10 minutes from time after he was taken down by Chey Dunkley.
Waghnorn stepped up and scored to restore parity – meanwhile, Cardiff City found an equaliser against Rotherham in the dying stages, and that proved to be enough to keep Derby up.
Here’s what Derby fans had to say about Jozwiak after his vital contribution.
“I WANT TO CUDDLE KAMIL JOZWIAK”
Credit: @RJConway92
“Get in line pal”
Credit: @Joeya7xdcfc2000
“Jóźwiak was a hero when he came on. Performed a textbook reducer when they were on the break to stop them, won the penalty, took a bruising tackle at the end to take time off the clock. Hopefully we’ll see the best of him next season”
Credit: @bojanglez
“Jozwiak my boy”
Credit: @rheaakilgourr
“Kamil Jozwiak appreciation post”
Credit: @JakubKrupa
“go on kamil”
Credit: @joepotts_
“Jozwiak proving his worth too great performance”
Credit: @DannyPorter97
In other news, fans fumed at this takeover development.
Will Celtic ever hire a new manager? The Bhoys have whittled down their list to replace Neil Lennon but a month on we’re still no closer to finding out who will be in the dug-out next season.
Eddie Howe is the current frontrunner to become the new boss at Parkhead but claims have emerged regarding Roy Keane again.
Celtic were in discussions with the Irishman a number of weeks ago and were even reported to have held an interview with him. However, days after that, news emerged that he was now unlikely to take up the position.
Though, speaking about the former Sunderland manager this week, Graeme Souness fired a message to the Hoops.
Speaking to Off The Ball (via Glasgow Times), the television pundit said: “He (Keane) is desperate to get back. He’s a football man and I have spoken with him about returning to management. He is very keen to do that.”
Souness continued: “Can you imagine how good it would have been if it was Roy Keane vs Steven Gerrard in Glasgow?
“All of a sudden, it wouldn’t just be Scotland, Ireland and a wee bit of England talking about Scottish football, the world would be talking about it. It would have been great for Scottish football.”
Considering the farcical nature of Celtic’s saga with Howe, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if the Hoops reverted their attention elsewhere.
The 43-year-old has been playing the Bhoys like a fool in recent days with Dermot Desmond dealt repeated setbacks in his bid to lure the former Bournemouth boss to Glasgow.
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It’s thought that Howe isn’t keen on returning to management until the summer while he’s listed some hefty demands in terms of his backroom staff.
The Englishman wants a trusted figure in Richard Hughes to join him at Parkhead but it doesn’t appear as though Celtic are keen on that happening.
Crystal Palace and Brighton have since joined Celtic in the race for Howe and the longer time goes on, the less likely it seems he’s going to sign with the Bhoys.
With that in mind, Desmond may perform a U-turn and revive his interest in Keane. After all, further manager targets Lucien Favre and Jesse Marsch are also attracting suitors from elsewhere.
The Irishman isn’t a man in demand and considering he’s desperate to return to coaching. Thus, he could be an easy candidate to bring in.
Celtic supporters might not be too enthused by the idea but this news is exciting nonetheless. If only Howe could admit he was keen to come out of a hiatus as well.
According to a report by Spanish outlet La Razon, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has personally requested for the club to sign Sevilla colossus Diego Carlos this summer – with the Lilywhites manager appearing very keen on the Brazilian as a solution to his defensive woes.
Mourinho is under increasing scrutiny at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with speculation surrounding his future as Spurs currently face a battle to qualify for European football next season.
This is despite a fine start to the 2020/2021 campaign which saw them briefly climb to top of the Premier League table at one point.
As the summer transfer window nears, Mourinho is now reportedly very keen to sign Sevilla powerhouse Diego Carlos in the summer as he eyes new additions to strengthen his defence.
The 28-year-old has a release clause of around €75 million (£64.8 million), and amid the current financial crisis caused by coronavirus, a boost for Spurs could be that the La Liga giants would agree to lower the price if they included Davinson Sanchez in the deal.
Sevilla are apparently ‘obliged to make a big sale’ this summer, and although there is plenty of noise surrounding fellow star centre-half Jules Kounde, they could opt to offload Carlos instead.
Nicknamed ‘the beast’ with a ‘shade of Kalidou Koulibaly’, as Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak explained last year when he was linked with Liverpool (Liverpool Echo), it appears Carlos has continued in that vain this season.
Amassing a round total 90% pass accuracy out from the back in La Liga this season, whilst also averaging the most clearances per 90 out of all Sevilla players with over ten appearances (WhoScored), it is safe to say he has been a consistent presence.
Time will tell what comes of this report, but Mourinho is certainly keen on the signing.
In other news: This Tottenham star could leave, find out more here.
Manchester City have been linked with a move for Romelu Lukaku in recent months, as they look to add a world-class striker to their ranks ahead of next season, but it seems as if the Citizens’ hopes of signing the Belgian international have suffered a blow, after it was reported that Inter are not willing to sell him this summer.
According to reports from Italy, Inter won’t sell the 27-year-old striker this summer despite the interest being shown in him by both Manchester City and Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola’s side are clearly in the market for a new frontman, especially if Sergio Aguero departs on the expiry of his contract at the end of the season, and after Borussia Dortmund’s astronomical asking price for Erling Haaland was revealed recently, Lukaku perhaps could have re-emerged as a potential option for City this summer.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United man has been in phenomenal form for Inter so far this season, with 19 goals and eight assists to his name in just 26 Serie A appearances, resulting in a superb 7.56 average rating.
The Belgian striker has seen his value soar during his time in Italy, as he is now rated at £81 million by Transfermarkt, after leaving United for £74 million in 2019.
Guardiola is a big fan of the striker, despite his indifferent form during his time at United, and was full of praise for him in 2018, saying:
“He’s fast, going to the channels, he helps to keep the ball and helps to make the movement for the other guys. He’s top. He’s a world-class player.”
Lukaku certainly would have added a physical presence up front for Man City, which is something they have lacked in recent seasons, so it is undoubtedly a blow for Guardiola’s side that Inter seemingly won’t allow him to leave this summer when you consider his superb record since joining Antonio Conte’s side.
And, in other news… Pep could be set for huge Man City boost with “incredible” £90m-rated gem
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has named Manchester United as a potential rival to Chelsea in the race for Erling Haaland.
The Borussia Dortmund superstar is currently being linked with a move to west London, but Fry is expecting Manchester United to also make a play for him in the next transfer window.
Interest in Haaland in the summer is a inevitability, with the 20-year-old in incredible form right now as his climb to the summit of world football continues.
He has already hit the 30-goal mark in all competitions this season, so for any club currently in need of a striker, this looks to be their man.
Discussing where the future of Haaland, who is rated at up to €200m (£170m) by CIES, could lie in an exclusive interview with FFC, Fry said:
“They [Manchester United] are two or three quality players away from really challenging Man City. And if they want to do that, they’ve got to go for the best players and obviously he’s one of the best players about.
“I think Man United, not sure about Liverpool, their strategy on transfers and what have you, but I think Man United will compete with Chelsea for that signature, that’s for sure.”
Should Haaland end up at Old Trafford, he would join the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, a wealth of attacking options that would make most Premier League managers jealous.