All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham manager David Moyes should urge the club to make a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, following Marlon Harewood’s verdict on the striker.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Abraham is a target for the Hammers this summer, with his long-term future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Harewood said: “That’s where West Ham should be looking, and I think Moysie (David Moyes) is that sort of person that he will be looking for a striker of that calibre, young, he’s ready to go, he’s been in the Premier League quite a while now. 

“I think he needs a chance, just like Jesse Lingard coming from Manchester United obviously not playing coming into the club, got a lot to show, and Tammy is one of them, got a lot to show (too) and would complement Antonio very well.”

Imagine him and Antonio

While Antonio has transitioned into an out-and-out number nine – all his games for the Hammers this season has been played up front – Abraham’s arrival could see Moyes look to play two up top, or with the former going back out wide.

The duo possess sheer pace and power, and that would no doubt pose a threat to most defences in the Premier League – Abraham has already bagged six in 20 league games this campaign, while Antonio has managed seven in 18.

Dean Windass has also previously spoken to FFC about how Abraham would be perfect for the Hammers, saying: “He’s David Moyes’ type, athletic, quick and young. Is he the new Chelsea manager’s cup of tea? I don’t think so.

“So, massive fit for West Ham, bit like Carlton Cole who was upfront for West ham, that sort of type. He’s big, strong and scores goals.”

The £60m-rated striker – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Dean Smith, his former manager at Aston Villa – is even stronger in the air than Antonio, winning 58% of his aerial duels compared to the latter’s 46%. A look at both of their touch-maps this season shows how Abraham predominantly works inside the box, while the Hammers forward is seen buzzing around the final third, popping up on the left, right and through the middle.

Having Antonio act as a dovetail with Abraham could add a different dimension to West Ham’s attacks, and it’s exactly why Moyes should urge GSB to make a swoop for the Chelsea forward.

Meanwhile, this pundit has delivered a big claim on Declan Rice’s West Ham future…

David Moyes has left West Ham United in a position where he must unleash academy striker Mipo Odubeko after Oladapo Afolayan joined Bolton Wanderers on loan.

Afolayan sealed a Deadline Day switch to Ian Evatt’s League Two strugglers and will see out the rest of the 2020/21 season at the University of Bolton Stadium.

It will be Afolayan’s third spell away from east London following previous moves to Oldham Athletic and Mansfield Town, and it comes after he scored on his senior West Ham debut during the Irons’ 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Doncaster Rovers in January.

Bolton boss Evatt has lauded the arrival of Afolayan in a last-ditch move, noting: “He’s quick, strong and technical, and a very exciting talent that can play all along the front three.”

Afolayan’s exit further deprives Moyes of attacking options at the London Stadium following Sebastien Haller’s £20m move to AFC Ajax last month, with West Ham failing to secure the services of a replacement for the Ivory Coast international.

Alleged winter targets Joshua King – seen as Moyes’ top target – and Josh Maja both sealed Premier League transfers on Deadline Day, with the AFC Bournemouth ace joining Everton and the FC Girondins de Bordeaux forward moving to Fulham.

West Ham’s lack of activity means Michail Antonio remains the Hammers’ only recognised senior centre-forward, and Moyes in a position where he is now considering utilising winger Andriy Yarmolenko and Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard as false nines.

Yet the Irons boss does not have to consider turning to alternative solutions, as Odubeko is ready and waiting for his chance to impress in the senior fold following his first-team debut.

Odubeko’s progress was stinted following a serious hamstring injury last term and the national lockdown, meaning the striker was forced to sit out for much of the previous six months. However, Moyes awarded the 18-year-old his senior debut in the FA Cup at Stockport County and must now trust in his potential.

It was alleged during the winter transfer window that Moyes could opt to take a closer look at Odubeko after his outing in the cup, as the Hammers chief wanted to see whether or not the prolific youth forward was ready to make the step up.

Odubeko boasts an impressive record in the junior tiers, having scored 35 times for Manchester United’s academy before sealing a move to the London Stadium in October 2019. He has since fired home nine in seven U18 games in claret and blue, plus five in three with the U23s.

Yet, while Afolayan was awarded 20 minutes against Doncaster in which he scored, Odubeko entered the action in stoppage-time at Stockport and has not been seen on the pitch since.

Moyes has kept the forward in and around the senior squad, and claimed he has “big hopes” for him, but – after losing Haller and Afolayan – it is time for the West Ham boss to put his money where his mouth is and unleash Odubeko.

The east London side certainly looked desperate for a different sort of threat from their attack against Liverpool last time out, when Antonio cut a frustrated figure and sent his only telling chance of the game wide of the post.

Obviously, Antonio is going to be Moyes’ number one striker going forwards but in terms of his Plan B options, Odubeko should be at the top of the manager’s list.

AND in other news, West Ham eye future swoop for prolific £30m striker with “absolutely superb” movement…

A brave gamble from Jurgen Klopp with Trent Alexander-Arnold is still paying off for Liverpool years down the line.

In the midst of an injury crisis at Anfield during the 2017/18 season, with first-choice right-back Nathaniel Clyne restricted to the sidelines, the German made the decision to play the then 18-year-old in the team.

It was a bold choice from Klopp, giving so much responsibility to a player just fresh out of the academy, but it is a position that Alexander-Arnold is yet to relinquish, highlighting a piece of managerial brilliance.

Since making his first Liverpool appearance during the 2016/17 season during the tenure of Brendan Rodgers, the 22-year-old has gone on to notch 164 appearances for the Reds.

In that time, he has scored nine goals and provided a stunning 40 assists – almost revolutionising the expectations and demands of a modern, attacking full-back.

Gary Neville has even gone on to give a wonderful assessment of the defender. Taking to Twitter, the former Manchester United suggested that the £99m-rated Red has the potential to become the “best England right back ever”.

It’s a glowing evaluation from Neville, who having patrolled the right-flank for the Red Devils for the best part of 19 years, may know how to spot a quality defender.

To put Alexander-Arnold’s output into context, he now has just eight fewer assists that Neville himself provided throughout his glittering career for both Manchester United and England.

At just the age of 22, the youngster also has an impressive trophy haul.

He played a key role in the Reds’ UEFA Champions League success of 2018/19, even teeing up Divock Origi for a memorable winning strike against Barcelona – awareness that defied his tender years.

He wasn’t done there though as in the time since, he has managed to claim a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as of course lifting the Reds’ first-ever Premier League crown.

Just for his sheer contribution thus far, the decision by Klopp to keep his faith in Alexander-Arnold despite Clyne’s return to fitness looks more like a masterstroke with each passing season – and that is surely only going to be exemplified as the young full-back reaches his peak.

In more news, Dean Windass has urged Jurgen Klopp to swoop for a Roberto Firmino replacement…

Spurs have firmly put themselves back in the title race as they returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Jose Mourinho’s side romped to a 3-0 win over Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to move into third place in the standings.

Harry Kane opened the scoring with a spot-kick after Steven Bergwijn was brought down by Gjanni Alioski before he then turned provided for Heung-min Son, of course.

His low cross was turned in by the South Korean, leaving Toby Alderweireld’s second-half header to seal all three points in north London.

The prolific Spurs duo will reap the plaudits as they often do, after all, they have combined for the 13th time – the joint-most of any pairing, ever.

However, there was arguably another player who deserves to take the credits as he pulled off an underrated yet vital display.

That being the industrious Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Dane, who arrived for a bargain £15m in the summer, absolutely ran the show for Mourinho and Spurs in the engine room.

United’s relentless press is enough to throw any player off their game, but not Hojbjerg, and this is why he held the keys to the victory over either Son or Kane.

No Spurs player managed as many as his 80 touches, which means he was the most frequently involved player in a white shirt, whilst the 25-year-old also won 11 duels, made five tackles and provided two clearances, via SofaScore.

Alasdair Gold at football.london was impressed with Hojbjerg too, grading him a 9/10.

He wrote:

‘Was his usual bustling presence and showed plenty of quality in the Leeds half as well. He won the ball in the build-up to Tottenham’s second goal. When the Dane is bossing the midfield Tottenham are in control, and he was on top of his game against Leeds.’

Indeed, the £45m-rated brute enforcer also enjoyed a rare two attempts at goal, pulled off 100% of his dribbles and won three free-kicks as he got the better of the tireless Leeds midfield of Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips and Rodrigo.

When Hojbjerg is on it, Spurs are often pulling off a result. He is crucial to Mourinho’s system and deserves some more praise as their true-match winner today.

AND in other news, Pathetic Spurs star who lost possession 19 TIMES just betrayed Mourinho…

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has been discussing how things are currently going at the club and his latest comments some way to proving just how the good connection is between the Villa players and their fans.

What McGinn had to say

Speaking toThe Athletic’s Gregg Evans, McGinn said: “If we keep playing the way we are and fighting for every ball then Villa Park is going to be an incredible place to be when supporters are allowed back in. The Aston Villa fans appreciate that we’re all just normal guys who are loving our jobs.”

These comments should please Villa supporters

Danny Mills spoke about McGinn recently and said: “I think he’s an unsung hero – he’s very underrated”.

This is very true as despite Jack Grealish receiving most of the recognition from those outside of the club, McGinn’s performances have been very good. He has picked up one goal and four assists (WhoScored). He is also crucial at both ends of the pitch, as he has managed 1.1 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.5 tackles a game this season.

Villa  only survived relegation on the last day of the Premier League season, which in itself was a great achievement, and they are now battling for a top six finish.

McGinn’s comments, added to the performances of the Villa stars, should excite fans of the club massively. The connection between the players and fans is clearly there and the supporters will now be itching to show their appreciation when they are able to safely return to Villa Park.

In other news, it’s been claimed that Aston Villa may pass up the opportunity to sign Ross Barkley permanently for a ‘younger and fresher’ option.

Carlo Ancelotti must unleash Mason Holgate against Chelsea on Saturday after Michael Ball suggested Everton are “afraid” of the Stamford Bridge natives’ offensive strength.

The Toffees welcome Frank Lampard’s title-chasing Blues to Goodison Park this weekend looking to end a torrid run of fixtures that features only one win in their last seven Premier League games.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are pushing Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool for the top spot in the division with just two points separating the three sides after the opening 11 games, with Lampard’s men unbeaten since matchday two.

Ball believes Lampard has got Chelsea playing in a way that can cause Everton a world of pain on Saturday night, as the south west London outfit’s pace in attack and midfield runners are two traits Ancelotti is yet to find a way to beat.

“With Chelsea, they’ve got pace and midfielders with runners. I think they’re the two things we’re afraid of,” former Toffees academy graduate noted in his column for the Liverpool Echo.

“Chelsea’s new signings have come in and hit form now, so we’ll probably be a bit more cautious and not leave space in behind. Michael Keane and Yerry Mina aren’t the quickest.

“A back four, generally, should suit us more – but I understand why we switched to a three. Ben Godfrey came here and obviously didn’t want to sit on the bench, he’s forced his way into the starting line-up, and he needs game time to try and build his partnerships up.”

But with an ankle injury forcing Lucas Digne to undergo surgery and face a potential three months out of action, plus Fabian Delph limping off with a hamstring injury at Burnley on Saturday, Godfrey is now expected to move to left-back when Everton host Chelsea.

Ancelotti doing so could see Everton move back to a four-man defence like Ball believes is best, having favoured that at Turf Moor following Delph’s exit. Yet the Italian tactician should rather unleash Holgate to inject pace into the line alongside Keane and Mina.

Holgate has appeared to lose some of Ancelotti’s backing, despite the former Chelsea head coach lauding the “fighter” as a “complete defender” capable of becoming one of the best in his position earlier in the year, as the 24-year-old has only featured twice since recovering from a pre-season toe injury.

He was also benched for the trips to Fulham and Burnley after featuring against Manchester United and Leeds, as Ancelotti continued to step back and forth on who his favoured centre-half options are.

However Holgate is Everton’s only centre-half option capable of adding pace in front of Jordan Pickford’s goal if Godfrey is moved to left-back, otherwise Ancelotti risks seeing Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount and co. run Keane and Mina ragged at the weekend.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands can land Everton’s new Idrissa Gueye in a £22.8m leader the Toffees’ are monitoring.

Another former Tottenham Hotspur great could be about to re-join Gareth Bale back in north London next year…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Eduardo Inda on El Chiringuito TV, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has spoken to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric in an attempt to lure him back to his old stomping ground.

The 35-year-old is out of contract in the summer but is in talks with the La Liga giants over a new two-year extension, so Daniel Levy and co may need to strike sooner rather than later.

Modric on a free at the end of the season may certainly set the pulses racing in N17.

Gareth Bale 2.0?

Mourinho was the man to prize the Croatian maestro away from Spurs in 2012 for just £30m, but only got to manage him for one season before receiving the sack, whilst the club weren’t afraid to bring back Bale this summer despite numerous doubts.

Back in 2018, Modric ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s decade-long dominance to clinch the Ballon d’Or after three successive UCL triumphs.

The World Cup runner-up was congratulated by Bale for also defeating the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Mohamed Salah to the award too, the Welshman tweeted:

“Congratulations my friend! An unbelievable player and an unbelievable season!”

Despite his advancing years, the veteran has still proven to be an influential player under Zinedine Zidane, averaging 1.6 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, 1.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in La Liga this term, via WhoScored.

Modric has also made it no secret that he’s a big fan of Harry Kane’s too, claiming the England no.9 was “one of the world’s best forwards already.”

Whilst Kaka believes the Croatian playmaker makes the football look “easy to play”, adding: “He plays like it’s normal. It’s like a dance for him.”

You’d imagine the arrival of any new central midfielder in January would spell trouble for Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks, though can Spurs really turn down someone of Modric’s illustrious calibre?

AND in other news, Daniel Levy was TOO “worried” to land “revelation” with 16 goals this season…

After an arduous 16-year absence from the Premier League, Leeds United are proving they are here to stick around this time.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have quickly established themselves as a side that can kick it with the best.

The Whites may only sit in 12th place, but they gave Liverpool a shock in the season-opener, drew to Manchester City and thrashed Villa the week after their 7-2 demolition of the defending champions.

And things could go from good to even better if emerging claims are to be believed.

In a recent Q&A on YorkshireLive, journalist Graham Smyth delivered a fresh update on those takeover rumours that never seem to leave Elland Road, he said:

“[QSI] never made an official bid and never did any due diligence or visited Elland Road to look at the books, but they are the kind of outfit who could take the lot, lock, stock and barrel without worrying too much about the present state of club finances.

“The 49ers seem to get lost in any takeover talk, despite already having their feet firmly under the table.

“It seems inevitable that they will up their stake this season at some point, too.” 

Whilst it appears that Leeds will not be getting a wealth of riches from the Paris Saint-Germain owners anytime soon, there is substantially good news on the investment front with the San Francisco 49ers, who already have a small piece of the pie.

Leeds and the 49ers have a lot in common, historically, they are both massive teams with silverware in their trophy locker – though, it’s been a while for both.

The NFL outfit last won a SuperBowl in 1994 – their fifth one – whilst the Yorkshire giants last won the First Division in 1992. That said, they are both hot property right now.

Looking for the perfect Leeds Gift? Take a look at the dedicated Leeds Fan Gifts site for the latest reviews, shopping advice and links to shop. They have everything from the latest Shirt as well as memorabilia, toys and gifts. New items are added daily and reviews are top notch.

Marcelo Bielsa has guided them back into the top-flight for the first time in 16 years and the 49ers reached last year’s SuperBowl, losing out to the Kansas City Chiefs.

When you take a look at some of the wealthiest teams in England’s top-flight, ignoring Manchester City’s funding from the Middle East, then you’ll soon see that all have ties to American sport.

Spurs have a deal with the NFL to host their international matches, the Glazer family at Manchester United also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arsenal are backed by the LA Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke and Liverpool’s John W. Henry holds 80% of the Boston Red Sox.

If United want to truly be one of the big boys once again, then the 49ers increasing their share of the club would be a major game-changer from current chairman, Andrea Radrizzani.

According to Forbes, the York family are worth in excess of $3.2bn (£2.4bn). Just imagine backing Marcelo Bielsa with that sort of money.

AND in other news, Bielsa missed chance to sign his next Samuel Saiz this summer…

David Sullivan must strive to offload Ryan Fredericks in the January window amid reports David Moyes could look to offload the West Ham United full-back.

What’s the word?

According to football.london, Fredericks is among a clutch of players whose futures at the London Stadium are increasingly at risk approaching the January transfer window as Moyes continues to stamp his mark on a side heavily assembled by Manuel Pellegrini.

The Hammers are not blessed with the largest senior fold with just 23 players named in their Premier League squad, but the likes of Fredericks, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko are tipped for a fraught few weeks as West Ham were forced to conduct their business on a sell-to-buy basis this summer.

Anderson and Yarmolenko each found their place in the starting line-up dissipate following Moyes’ return to east London, while the £5.4million arrival of Vladimir Coufal last month saw Fredericks cast aside following a hamstring injury despite a strong start to the season.

Fredericks is now tipped for Moyes’ axe should the Scottish coach look to raise funds in the winter, with the January window a prime chance to land a suitable fee for the former Fulham defender whose £40,000-per-week contract expires in 19-months.

Moyes is expected to make do without the need for another right-back going forward as young hotshot Ben Johnson is seen as a worthy understudy for Coufal, who has started all five of the Irons’ Premier League fixtures since joining from Slavia Prague.

Sullivan’s easy call

If Moyes has decided that Coufal and Johnson carry enough quality to hold down the right-back position for the remainder of the season, West Ham co-owner and Chairman Sullivan has an easy call to make regarding Fredericks’ future and that is to sell the 28-year-old as soon as possible.

The verdict will come as a cruel blow for Fredericks, who would have expected to regain his place in the starting line-up upon his return from the hamstring injury sustained at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September.

But Coufal’s performances have made it impossible for Moyes to bench the 28-year-old, who is now averaging more tackles (3.0) than Fredericks (1.18), plus ground duels won (4.2 to 1.57), accurate long balls (1.8 to 0.79), shots blocked (0.2 to 0.0) and a higher number of successful dribbles (0.4 to 0.39) per Premier League appearance, per SofaScore.

West Ham would still be able to recoup a worthy fee for Fredericks in January, with the former England U19 international bettering Coufal for interceptions (1.97 to 1.4), clearances (3.14 to 2.2), accurate crosses (1.18 to 1.0), accurate final third passes (9.83 to 6.0) and aerial duels won (2.36 to 1.2) per game.

Pellegrini also expected the future to hold Fredericks’ best years when he acquired the £3.6m-rated right-back on a free transfer from Fulham just a year-and-a-half ago.

“Ryan has good experience, with more than 150 senior appearances already but, at 25, he is still a young player with his best years ahead of him,” the Chilean said in 2018, via quotes by BBC Sport.

AND in other news, West Ham’s “real magician” has just six weeks to prove David Moyes does not need his £17m “complete” target.

Many Aston Villa fans have reacted to a further transfer report linking Brentford’s Said Benrahma with a move to Villa Park.

Claret and Blue manager Dean Smith has made some improvements to his squad this summer which include the signing of Ollie Watkins from the Bees.

Raiding his former club with the view to improve his attacking setup, Smith is also said to be interested in sealing a deal to sign Benrahma, who largely impressed last term.

The 24-year-old Algerian was one of the most prolific attackers in English football in the 2019/20 season, contributing with 17 goals and nine assists in his 43 appearances.

Villa’s interest was recently discussed by a report which also claimed that Brentford were due to make a decision on the winger’s future, and that has now been followed up by a similar report which calls on Smith to make a move.

Reacting to the continuing transfer story, these Villa fans gave their opinions on the potential arrival of Benrahma…

Do you think Benrahma would be a good signing for Villa? Let us know in the comments section below…