Remember a familiar double act that used to light up Old Trafford becoming the most feared partnership in the English game? A partnership that propelled Manchester United to the pinnacle of English football. Two names that struck fear into opposition defences even before a ball had been kicked. Yes, you probably guessed it, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.

It seems an age since both players graced the Old Trafford faithful, and how Manchester United need a similar spark right now as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to take the club back to where it belongs. A potential strike partnership involving two of their brightest attacking talents, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford could well be on the offing, a partnership that could take United to a trip down memory lane.

Against Norwich, in their 3-1 triumph at Carrow Road, Rashford and Martial were at their sparkling best especially the third goal scored by Martial, the interchanging, exquisite passing and movement tore apart Norwich’s hapless defence. It was simply mesmerising.

Who says they can’t form a formidable partnership up-front just like Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole once did? For much of the season, Marcus Rashford has been tasked with leading the line on his own. Though, its clear Marcus Rashford enjoys playing with a partner, just like he does so well for England with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. It is through Kane that Rashford effectively link-up play with and because of his intelligence in positioning and the awareness of movement, it makes it easy for Rashford to become so dangerous for his country.

Coming in off the left is where Marcus Rashford is at his best. At Carrow Road, we saw Rashford at his destructive best running down the left beating his opponents at will, forming an incredible understanding with Martial with their incisive one touch football and mesmeric movement. The lack of options in attack has forced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hand so far this season pinning all his hopes on a player who really doesn’t seem comfortable playing as a lone frontman. With Anthony Martial back and firing on all cylinders, much of the burden will be shared and that’s what Rashford needs.

It certainly would have been ideal to have both Sanchez and Lukaku as additional options but what’s the point of having unhappy players in the dressing room? Players who longer wanted to be a part of the project. It’s only right Solskjaer cut his losses.

It is fair to say the injuries to players such as Martial, Lingard and Paul Pogba haven’t helped, but Martial’s return brings a much a needed dimension to an otherwise stale attack. The understanding and brilliance conjured up with Rashford against Norwich is certainly something to build on moving forward. It is imperative Solskjaer keeps both players fit as the season progresses.

Against Liverpool, Solskjaer sprung a tactical surprise, a formula which in the long-term could become a solution to his attacking issues. The 3-4-1-2 formation gave United solidity within defence and midfield along with the opportunity to counter efficiently and quickly with Marcus Rashford and Daniel James playing as the split strikers – attacking players who broke quickly using the wings – either side of Andreas Pereira who played effectively as the teams main creative outlet on the ball. He reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 against Norwich formation, but the change in set-up showed the Norwegian’s tactical flexibility and his ability to adapt and counter his opponents threats.

Below is the system Solskjaer used against Liverpool at Old Trafford:

The change in system worked simply because it brought the best out of the players that Solskjaer had at his disposal and allowed him to fully neutralise Liverpool’s attacking threat. United showed great fight, spirit and organisation that they so regularly lack. Rashford’s goal against Liverpool was the result of United’s efficiency on the counter-attack, with Daniel James picking up the ball from McTominay and expertly beating his marker to play a fine cross for Marcus Rashford score. United may not have enjoyed the fair share of possession but they were still effective and dangerous when on the counter. It was the same story against Norwich, Daniel James crossing from the right into space and perfectly onto Rashford’s sumptuous first touch, he then exquisitely finished through the legs of Tim Krul to put United 2-0 up.

It’s been a recurring theme of United not looking comfortable in possession struggling to break teams down. Their approach play looking laboured and lacking any inventiveness though it remarkably changed at Carrow Road. It was another fine example as to how important Anthony Martial has been to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:

As well as looking threatening on the counter, the presence of the French forward gave United much movement and freedom in attack. Most importantly, a needed presence to engage Norwich’s centre-backs, it gave Daniel James and Marcus Rashford the opportunity to effectively fill those spots in between the centre-backs and the full-backs creating uncertainty in Norwich’s frail defensive unit.

Against an admittedly open Norwich team, United scored more goals than they had managed on all their previous away days this season combined. It was simply down to the partnership of Martial and Rashford and one that Solskjaer promised ‘will grow’ in future. With Paul Pogba out until December, much of the onus will be on Martial and Rashford to provide United with the creative spark they need.

There is a greater need for much improvement and emphasis on United’s attacking play but the victory over Norwich highlighted the exciting potential Solskjaer possesses in his arsenal, with the return to fitness of Anthony Martial, United fans may just have the strike partnership they have been seeking for quite a long while.

Solskjaer could well just have his own ‘Yorke & Cole’.

 

It’s clear to see since Aymeric’s Laporte’s injury that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are in need of reinforcements in defence. Maybe it was a mistake to allow Vincent Kompany to leave so early. Even so, it was probably a mistake not to add to their defensive pool in the summer window. Without the qualities of Laporte, City’s defensive alternatives are stretched. John Stones has been given enough opportunities to prove himself, but has failed. Nicolas Otamendi is always seen as the weak-link amongst Guardiola’s defence and with Laporte out till February, Stones keeping the treatment table warm regularly and the evergreen defensive midfielder Fernandinho filling in, there is a desperate need to make improvements to the defence. A defence that could lead to Guardiola relinquishing his Premier League title to Liverpool.

So who could Guardiola look at, to solve his recurring centre-back issue? He should look no further than Aston Villa’s centre-back maestro.

Tyrone Mings.

Composed. Assured. Dominant. Despite the terrible racist chants and abuse aimed at him from the Bulgaria fans in England’s rampant 6-0 victory, it was a debut to remember for Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings. Those three words mentioned aren’t even enough to describe Mings’ consummate performance alongside Harry Maguire in defence. As well as impressing Southgate on his first start for his country, the Villa captain also put in a strong case to be Maguire’s permanent partner in England’s back-line, a position that has continued to become a problem for Southgate and his backroom staff.

John Stones, Michael Keane and Joe Gomez have all been tried and tested but to no avail, and it is about time Gareth Southgate looked elsewhere to attempt a ‘trial and error’ method, and the Bulgaria game gave the former Middlesborough player and coach an indication that Mings could become his long-term solution to partner with Harry Maguire.

Not just on paper, but by the stature and presence of both Maguire and Mings, England’s centre-back pairing could be formidable. We all know the qualities Maguire possesses but we also need to take a closer look at Tyrone Mings. A player that has undeservedly been under the radar as much as his England defensive counter part.

The Aston Villa captain’s rise to prominence has been remarkable.

It’s crazy and absurd to think that – having just made his dream debut for the England national team – there was a time when Mings was on the verge of walking away from football. Dropped by Southampton’s academy for being ‘too small’ – he is now a towering 6ft 5in presence – he was close to giving up on non-league football at Yate Town and Chippenham Town because he couldn’t drive and was struggling to pick up minutes on the pitch. He was a long way away from making a living in the game, having being turned down for a simple job at his local corner shop and ending up working mortgage broker. It seemed as though it would be a football talent wasted.

None of those setbacks stopped Mings, though. The Bath-based player preserved and was resilient to fulfil his aspirations. His fortunes changed when he received a call-up from Mick McCarthy to ply his trade at Ipswich Town in December 2012. Snapped up from Chippenham Town for £10,000 – it was a signing that seemed a real coup for McCarthy and Ipswich Town.

Mings had to bide his time at the club, but his chance at first-team football came in the summer of 2014 when Aaron Cresswell was snapped up by West Ham for £3.75million. Mings never looked back after that, making the left-back position his own, grabbing the opportunity with both hands. Fast, powerful, athletic and bursting with such confidence, Mings was a key part of that unheralded Blues team which made an unlikely run to the play-offs in the 2014/15 season.

He caught the eye of a number of Premier League outfits, and duly moved to Bournemouth in June 2015, in a deal initially worth £8million, which saw winger Ryan Fraser and striker Brett Pitman arrive at Portman Road. It was a move which hurt the Ipswich Town fans as Mings was a player who endeared himself to them so faithfully through his character, drive and commitment. He was also a person who gave back to his community, feeding the homeless and paying for new team shirts for some frustrated fans after he changed his shirt number from 15 to 3.

Mings’ time at Bournemouth was blighted by injury though, only making 10 Premier League starts in four years. His career seemed to spiralling out of control considering the amount of injuries he suffered but again he was offered a lifeline, moving to Villa on loan in January 2019, becoming the fulcrum of what was a successful Championship season as the club won promotion to the Premier League. He joined the club on a permanent basis last summer for a fee of around £26million.

At Aston Villa, Mings has become a born leader, a player who has finally realised and is harnessing his powerful and domineering abilities. He has become such a leader and a massive presence in the dressing room in such a short space of time. You could argue his experiences and struggles earlier on in his career has made him the player he is today.

It is unlikely Mings will have the desire to leave come January, he is the main man at Villa Park, and is embarking on a journey to become one of the most established centre-backs of his generation, and it will take huge money for Guardiola to prize him away providing he is interested in his services. However, Mings is someone Guardiola will have to look at as a long-term solution to his defensive issues. Also, we know the leadership qualities Kompany brought to the table, even when he wasn’t playing and that is what City require both now and in the near future, and there is arguably no better leader around than Tyrone Mings.

Mings has deserved all the plaudits coming his way right now, becoming the forefront of Villa’s push to remain in the big time. His dominance aerially, composure in possession, defensive positioning and awareness as well as his tall frame is a huge asset for Dean Smith at Villa Park.

It is more likely that Guardiola will look on foreign soil for his centre-back addition but the Spanish coach should look closer to home. With Phil Foden, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker the only English players in his talented squad, the addition of Mings will boost his home-grown quota and provide him with a player who surely has to be considered as one of the best English talents around. Tyrone Mings deserves his spot at the pinnacle of English football, and who better to take him to that point in his career than the great Pep Guardiola.

Next stop for Tyrone Mings, Manchester City? On the surface, it looks the perfect match.

The clash between Brighton and Aston Villa last weekend was a smashing spectacle. Two teams with contrasting styles and with two managers with a point to prove as they settle into life within new territory. Nine games in, neither of Graham Potter and Dean Smith are disappointing so far

Certainly, the scoreboard showed Villa’s 2-1 triumph, but it was a far cry from the truth. Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side were played off the park in the first half as Brighton’s mesmerising, intricate and scintilating football completely bamboozled the Villa Park faithful. It was Brighton who took the lead and deservedly so through a well-worked free-kick, like something straight out of the training ground as Brighton defender Adam Webster nodded in Pascal Gros’ well-worked delivery

Aston Villa might easily have been counting the cost of their shortcomings had Brighton kept a full complement of players on the pitch. Had it not been for Aaron Mooy’s stupidity – a full-fledged tackle on Jack Grealish – the outcome of the game could have been much different and Villa could have been staring at another defeat.

However, Mooy’s incompetence led to the brilliance and inspiration of one man. A player who is truly deserving of all the plaudits coming his way, and a player looking right at home in the Premier League.

Villa’s awfully talented captain Jack Grealish.

With the onlooking England coach Gareth Southgate, it was the attacking midfielder who stood head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch, which really is no feat considering the player is only 5ft 7in. The Brighton game was the perfect platform for Grealish to showcase his outstanding form. Every piece of Villa’s attacking play had Grealish at the centre of it, like an orchestrator at a fine and elegant soap opera. Every attack had Grealish dictating its direction truly reflected in Villa’s dramatic stoppage time winner. It was something out of the extraordinary as he picked up the ball outside the box, and almost seamlessly beat two of his markers with some intricate and swift piece of footwork which simultaneously led to a perfectly waited pass into the path of Matt Target to smash home the winner.

If Southgate doesn’t admire the talents of Grealish on this blockbuster display then we truly don’t know what will. Grealish’s performance against Brighton isn’t the first of his highlight reels so far this season. Nine games in, and it is simply one of many. Gregg Evans, an Aston Villa writer at the well-renowned Sports website The Athletic reports that Jack Grealish takes spontaneous naps at Villa’s training complex. So focused is he on becoming one of the most elite attacking midfield players in the Premier League that he holds extra individual training sessions and ‘sleeps on site after lunch to prepare his body.’ It is firmly believed that the 24-year-old is in Southgate’s thoughts for the next England squad which will be drafted in November.

As well as his naps, it is reported that the midfielder has also changed the way he eats and has recently hired a personal chef to aid him in maximising his performance. The chef, also an expert in sports nutrition, provides Grealish with daily meals and endurance-enhancing snacks to help his training regime. It’s no wonder you’ll find Grealish still full of energy in the closing minutes of matches. For too long, Grealish had been rotting away in the Championship – not to say he wasn’t performing brilliantly over there – but its in the Premier League where his gifts truly need to be celebrated.

It’s amazing how far Grealish has come seamlessly fitting into this new calibre of territory even promising Dean Smith, his manager, that there is more to come from him:

“He keeps telling me that I haven’t seen the best of him yet and he’s still growing as a player.”

A frightening thought even for the Aston Villa faithful. If Grealish really can take his game to another level against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the coming weeks ahead, then it won’t only be Southgate who will be standing up and taking notice. Probably potential future suitors.

Much of the credit must be given to Dean Smith. Since his arrival from the reigns of the dugout in Brentford in 2018, Grealish has been provided with a new lease of life. Before then, we knew the talents Grealish harboured but it was that youthful arrogance and petulance at times that seemed to have flawed him. However, Smith’s arrival and his decision in placing Grealish leader in the dressing room has humbled him and the constant hard-work and graft has awarded the player with the recognition he deserves.

Deployed on the left of a front three in a 4-3-3 setup, Grealish has been given the freedom by Dean Smith to roam from his position and naturally take up telling spaces in between the lines allowing him to fully exploit the gaps in between the opponents back-line and midfield. It is through that area that Grealish ever so effortlessly weaves his magic. Jinking through opposition challenges, linking up play with the big front-man Wesley, carving out openings and chances for himself as well as his team-mates is what makes Grealish the beating heart of the teams attacking play. He is at the centre of everything. If he carries on at this sort of level, then Southgate will really have some serious selection headaches. It’s not only Grealish that is impressing, but Mason Mount and James Maddison are also staking their claim so far this season. It really is exciting that England now have such a talented and exuberant pool of young, bright and excellent attacking midfielders.

Jack Grealish is certainly amongst the top of that pool right now.

Two goals and three assists in nine Premier League games is no easy feet, especially when you’ve just come up from the second division. What is for certain though, is that Grealish is raising a fair amount of eyebrows. At the end of the Brighton game, Grealish was truly heralded by the Villa faithful, leaving the pitch to some rapturous applause. Sooner rather than later, he may just be doing the same for England.

Boldly, Mauricio Pochettino declared Dele Alli as the best player in his age group early in the Englishman’s Tottenham career. Eighteen months in, though, the player finds his career at a sticking point and the manager wondering if he must eat his words. Once a key component in Gareth Southgate’s squad, starting every knockout game for England during the World Cup, he is now on the periphery. What’s happened to Tottenham’s poster boy?

When Pochettino made his statement, Harry Kane was injured. The Argentine needed a few good performances from the players who were available. Whether or not the boss was sincere, Alli responded, scoring twice against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

That was two years ago. If ever there was an opportunity for Alli to get his career back on track, it was the Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Instead, he failed remarkably as Spurs were trounced at home 7-2.

It was a missed opportunity. Still only 23, there’s time to recover. Alli reportedly hired a nutritionist and cut back on commercial appearances to focus on rediscovering his mojo. Whether or not the changes work remains to be seen.

While 2018/19 was a season to remember for Spurs, not so much for Alli. He failed to hit the net in Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final or at all since January. It’s no wonder Southgate overlooks him for the England squad. He struggles to find a place in Pochettino’s starting XI. 

Since his return from injury in September, Alli featured in four games of eight. The three he started against Olympiakos, Colchester and Bayern all ended in disappointment, not just for the team as a whole, but Dele himself. He flattered to deceive.

The blame cannot be placed on him alone. The whole Tottenham squad is going through a rough patch. But it’s been a long while since we’ve experienced the magic Alli can conjure. In 2016/17, he scored 18 goals in 37 Premier League games, winning a second consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Since then, he has only hit 15 in 64. It’s not just the goals and assists that dried up. Alli’s numbers for dribbles, distance covered, shots and key passes also faded drastically. Last season was his worst in every category.

Against Liverpool on the weekend, Pochettino relied heavily on Alli and Christian Eriksen to exert their creative influence. Both failed miserably. Alli created zero chances for himself or teammates, made no key passes and took only one of-target shot [WhoScored]. His passing accuracy was a sub-par 71%.

So, why aren’t we seeing the spontaneous, clinical Dele Alli whose linkup play with Harry Kane was pure telepathy?

The short answer is Son Heung-min. The South Korean’s rise precipitates Alli’s fall. His marauding runs, constant movement in the final third, relentless harrying of opponents and, in Alli’s absence, his connection with Kane, make him the complete performer Dele used to be. Son assumed his teammate’s former role and won’t vacate it. Alli must find a new way to contribute.

The former MK Dons starlet used to be one of the first names on the team sheet. Now there is plenty of competition for places. Alli is no longer preferred to Eriksen, Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela and he will soon have Giovani Lo Celso, also 23 and coming back from injury, to provide further competition.

Even for England, you just cannot find a spot for Alli with a host of new players for Southgate to choose, James Maddison, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to list a few. Then there is Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount making names for themselves. The way things are looking, it’s difficult for Alli to find a space in either Tottenham or England’s line-up.

 

From having the world at his decorated feet, Dele Alli is now a player with all its weight on his shoulders.

The moment he received the pass from Willian, you just knew he’d have the confidence to swiftly take the ball in his stride and place the ball beyond the despairing Angus Gunn to fire Chelsea to a 2-goal lead. It was a goal truly reflecting of a player who is rewarding the belief and trust placed in him with his quality and assured performances. Mason Mount is taking in the rigours of the Premier league like a duck to water.

Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing of Southampton at St Mary’s – a tough place to visit even for the best sides – was simply another rendition of the impact and belief that Frank Lampard is instilling into his young and fledgling Chelsea team. Lampard is building an exciting project at Stamford Bridge, and Sunday’s victory was another example as to how far this team can go. Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Reece James Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham mixed with the experience of Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Jorginho, Willian and N’golo Kante, it seems as though Lampard has inherited and is moulding a squad that could become a dominant force in the Premier League over the next few years.

There are more names in their youth setup that will surely be given the chance to strut their stuff in the Lampard era. It is a testament to the nature and qualities of Chelsea’s academy. Certainly many of these players have fallen victim to the dreaded loan system. No player wants to spend time away from their parent clubs but it is the development and experience that matters and most of Lampard’s starters have made full use of their experiences elsewhere. The way the 2019/20 season is shaping up, Lampard’s youngsters have been fully refined during their time spent away from Stamford Bridge.

Portsmouth born Mason Mount will surely have marvelled in his goal and performance against south-coast rivals Southampton. Not allowing the emotion of the occasion to stop him in his stride. His maturity levels and understanding of the game are what is shaping Mount to become one of the most exciting players to grace the English top-flight this season. 4 Premier League goals from 8 games illustrates just how crucial he is to Lampard’s mission.

Everything has literally fallen into place for Chelsea and Frank Lampard. Many will have written off their chances for success this campaign because of their inability to sign new players as a result of their transfer embargo, but the kind of players that were ready to make the step up from youth level to the first team meant that Lampard really didn’t need the stress of recruiting and implementing foreign imports to his squad. The question remains, had Chelsea stuck with Sarri and not had the transfer ban, would the likes of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount been given the opportunity to flourish? It’s debatable but its a question that needs no plausible answer as Chelsea are indeed entering a new era and there is much reason to believe that it could be an exciting ride.

Relying on Eden Hazard to provide their creative spark was one thing; leaning on a 20-year-old who has played in all of Chelsea’s eight games is quite another. Yet, it is the reality for Chelsea, but the way in which Mount has expressed himself on the grand stage will be a huge encouragement for Lampard. It’s as if the academy graduate is becoming the leader of Chelsea’s creative pack, one which relied so heavily on Eden Hazard but now the mantle is taking on by the ever impressive Mason Mount. Certainly, replacing the qualities and brilliance of Hazard does not come without its pressure but it is one that Mount has the ability and the character to potentially thrive in rather than buckle under. His track record tells its own story. Mount was the creative leader during his loan spell at Chelsea’s sister-club Vitesse Arnhem where he forced Chelsea’s hierarchy to stand up and take notice. In a remarkable first full career season during the 2017/18 campaign, he played 39 games for the Dutch outfit contributing in 23 goals (14 goals, and 9 assists) which all came in the Dutch Eredivisie. Such extraordinary numbers for a player making his mark at just 18 at the time.

Mount’s improvement and development obviously didn’t stop there though. It was under Frank Lampard at Derby County where he built his reputation further. Along with Harry Wilson – now at Bournemouth on loan from Liverpool – they became the key creative elements in Lampard’s free-flowing and exciting attacking philosophy. Mount’s overall number may not have hit the heights of his days at Vitesse but his time at Pride Park was another example as to why Mount has the personality and character to thrive when faced with the pressure of becoming the teams main creative threat. 11 goals and 5 assists in all competitions in the Championship is really no practical joke. Mason Mount is the man for the occasion.

What is so uniquely impressive of Lampard’s approach is the aura he has created amongst his youngsters that there is room for mistakes but its learning from them, that’s the most important thing. It’s that sort of atmosphere that has Mount blossoming into such a fine player. His energy, tenacity especially without the ball is a unique trait in Lampard’s style, his goal against Leicester City earlier in the season for example, it was his determination and energy pressurising Wilfried Ndidi in possession which ultimately led to his cool finish past Kasper Schmeichel. That’s the licence Lampard is giving Mount, and he is rewarding the managers faith with aplomb. The youngster simply has the lot. Excellent on the ball with his close-control, technical skill and his uniqueness to simply weave past defenders and find pockets of space to become effective in the final third of play.

Mason Mount has been deployed in a variety of positions under Lampard so far this season, whether its on the left of a attacking midfield trio in a 4-2-3-1 formation or even as a no.8 within the midfield trident in a 4-3-3 formation, another reflection of the kind of versatility an flexibility that Mount provides Lampard when faced with particular teams. However, it is centrally where Mount truly thrives.

Against Southampton, he lined up in the middle of the attacking trio, and his abilities was there for all to see, picking dangerous positions in between the lines in the middle of the oppositions midfield and defence in order conjure up chances for his team mates. It’s his willingness an bravery to demand the ball even in tight areas of the pitch or when being pressed. The belief and confidence in his own ability is what sets him apart from the rest. There’s no wonder why he has earned a well deserved call up to Gareth Southgate’s England setup and even high praise. As well as being one of the first names on Lampard’s team-sheet, can he do the same for England despite the healthy competition with the likes of club teammate Ross Barkley and Leicester City’s James Maddison. There is simply no stopping Mount becoming a key figure for Southgate both now and next summer in Euro 2020.

 

Unquestionably, Mount’s best position is within no.10 role but that’s not to say he can’t do a job coming in off the left-hand side as he has done on various occasions so far this season. Wherever Lampard calls him to play, he just seems to perform so effortlessly. His almost telepathic understanding with Tammy Abraham and Willian means it really doesn’t doesn’t matter which position he plays, he is more than capable of fulfilling his duties to great effect. It’s the simple reason that Mount has now taken Barkley’s no.10 role and with Callum Hudson-Odoi returning from injury, Lampard may now have his settled 11 as shown above.

After all, Chelsea have a squad packed with consummate and established internationals. There is little to suggest that likes of Pedro and Willian have been waiting for Eden Hazard’s departure before they can step out of his shadow. Both players have been as equally as important for the club. However, both players have been unable to dominate games like the Belgian has done, and that’s where the roles of Mount and Barkley come in. The latter has been consistently on and off as of late and would need to show Lampard more if he is to become a permanent fixture in the first eleven. Not only Barkley, but Christian Pulisic, has also struggled to stake a claim so far this season. However, patience must be given to the American wonderkid and it is only a matter of time before he rediscovers his mojo and becomes as vitally important as Mount, Hudson-Odoi and Willian.

Nonetheless, with Mason Mount in this sort of rapid form, there is no stopping him progressing into one of the top midfield talents along the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, David Silva and James Maddison. The way Mount is playing, you can almost be forgiven for placing his name without that classy bracket. Amongst a number of bright young gems in this squad, Lampard has undoubtedly found his diamond in a rough.

 

 

Lille are a team that is well on the rise. The fact that they are plied their trade in this years elite European competition – their first time in over 6 years – is a further testament as to why this team is one to certainly keep an eye on in the near future.

The cancellation of the season has seen the club finish fourth in the league table, capturing yet another Champions League spot for next season, along with surprise outfits Marseille and Rennes along with champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Filled with gifted, technical, skilful and pacey players, this is a team set out to excite.

Lille were the success story of the season before last, finishing second behind Paris Saint-Germain in the French 2018/19 league standings. However, after losing highly influential players most notably in Nicolas Pepe and Rafael Leao, moving to Arsenal and AC Milan respectively, many fans feared that their club’s rise was falling fast.

Though, those departures now seem a distant memory. Thanks to the shrewd and astute work done behind the scenes by sporting director Luiz Campos, Lille now hold an attacking talent that looks as every bit capable as the departing pair.

There may have been groans at the sight of losing such gifted performers in Nicolas Pepe, but the Lille faithful marvelled at the feet of yet another potential world class talent in Nigerian wonderkid Victor Osimhen. It won’t be for much longer though, with a move to Italian giants Napoli all but completed.

At just 21-years of age, with 13 goals in Ligue 1 and two Champions League goal on his resume, Osimhen has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young forwards in European football. Snapped up from Belgian outfit Charleroi for just €12m (£15.5m) last summer, the Nigerian striker has taken no time in settling in to his new surroundings. When he made the move this summer, little did he know he would come flying out of the blocks so quickly, now he is a player deserving of the high praise he has received so far, forcing fans across Europe to stand up and take notice.

Having suffered from some physical issues during his time at Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, a temporary spell in Belgium was just the kick-start he needed to propel his career once again. It was at Sporting Charleroi where Osimhen quickly restored his confidence. The Nigerian scored 12 times in 25 top-flight appearances in Belgium, and it is because of his blistering form in Belgium, that he garnered the attention of French outfit Lille.

Wolfsburg may have underestimated a player who made the most rapid and decisive start to a Ligue 1 career since Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Victor Osimhen’s blistering start to life has also taken him to the clubs history books, his goal against Strasbourg in February in a 2-0 victory took his tally that day to six goals in seven games, which made him the fastest Lille signing to reach those figures in over 50 years. A remarkable feat.

The Nigerian young striker has shown no signs of slowing down either. His form played a huge part in allowing the fans and board to quickly forget about Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian was involved in 33 (22 goals, 11 assists) of Lille’s 68 goals last year in which they finished behind Paris Saint-Germain. Pepe’s goal return accounted for 48 percent of Lille’s goals last season, and his departure would have been felt greatly.

As well as his 13 strikes in the French league, Osimhen also laid on 4 assists taking his overall involvement to 17 out of Lille’s 35 league goals meaning he matched Nicolas Pepe’s goal-involvement from the previous year.

The Nigerian’s rise to prominence has taken everyone by storm, though.

We are talking about a young man who had to endure the passing of his mother early in his life and the fact that he grew up in a poor and unstable neighbourhood, scrounging for football boots in the dump as a young adolescent. He was even diagnosed with a bout of malaria, which played a role in his failed trials with Club Brugge and Zulte Waregem, however, these obstacles could not stop the youngster from pushing for the top, and that determination to beat such illnesses and press on is truly evident in his performances on the pitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYjYvP2ktvo

As well as being a threat in front of goal, its his tenacious energy both with the ball and without it sets him apart from the rest. His understanding with French international winger Jonathan Ikone is simply devastating. This is a kid that is already drawing quick comparisons to former Chelsea player and legend Didier Drogba, and the way in which he took his goal against Chelsea; a bullet header from a corner certainly took a leaf out of Drogba’s book.

Victor Osimhen is not only a reliable goalscorer with his shot conversion rate at an impressive 13.8, but his all-round play is a standout feature in his game. Whenever he’s presented with the opportunity to create chances for his fellow forwards, he’s unselfish enough to lay the ball on a plate for them. He’s a striker who loves doing the dirty work, pressing from the front, or using his languid and lean build to hold off his markers and link with his teammates. He’s a freight train when at full throttle, running down the wings or chasing down loose balls.

Another element to keep a close eye on is whether Osimhen can become the main man up-front for his country. No.9 has become a bit of a problem position for Nigeria over the last decade. Current options such as Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho have flattered to deceive at times, and maybe it is time for Osimhen to take the reigns. He’s certainly got the charisma and abilities required to lead his country.

The current Nigeria squad is currently blessed with a wealth of fresh young talents such as Wilfried Ndidi, Henry Onyekeru, Josh Maja, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze, and Joe Aribo. What’s to stop Osimhen becoming the main man within such an exciting generation of yongsters? With the striker hopefully leading the line for years to come, the future surely does look bright for the Nigeria national team.

Osimhen already looks a prospect built for Serie A, his reported next destination. His raw assets are formidable, possessing that unique instinct of getting into the right goal scoring positions, and even in the areas where he needs to improve, he has already demonstrated that he has the capacity and hunger to progress.

For now, those Didier Drogba comparisons seem a long way off. However, there is no doubting Osimhen’s abilities and his formidable time France already shows he is on the right lines to progress into a future star.

He is on course to becoming Africa’s most expensive player providing he completes his moves to Naples for a reported €50m fee + potential add ons.

Victor Osimhen to Napoli, confirmed and here we go! Tomorrow the deal will be completed for €50M + add ons to Lille. Osimhen is going to sign until June 2025 as new Napoli player. ✍🏻🔵 #transfers #Napoli https://t.co/4cHtH02uGr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2020

Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso may just have the striker he so desperately needs in Osimhen. He’s a different breed to Milik or Mertens and will provide them with such a raw and efficient weaponry up front. The Nigerian forward is a fighter, a real fox in the box, and a striker not afraid to do the dirty work from the front too. Just the kind of characteristics Gattuso craves.

Victor Osimhen + Napoli may be match formed in heaven.

Martin Ødegaard.

Remember that name?

Back in 2014, aged 15 years-old, he was hailed as one of the brightest young prospects and described as a player of world class potential. At such a tender age, he had become the youngest player to both feature and score in the Norwegian top-flight.

Blessed with a blend of rich skill sets and technical abilities. It was his extroadinary talents that set him apart from the rest in the Stromsgodset side and gave him the dream opportunities to train with clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. With all of them potential suitors for his signature, it was Real Madrid who snapped him up once he turned 16 – a fee which could potentially rise to just £7.5million. The Norwegian wonderkid described the move as a dream come true for both himself and his family, and would go on to make his first team debut coming on as a second-half substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo in a thrilling 7-3 victory over Getafe.

However, it hasn’t been all roses since then for the youngster. Ødegaard has yet to make another appearance for Real Madrid. Since then, he has largely been a forgotten man at the Santiago Bernabeu, being farmed out to dutch outfit SC Heerenveen in 2017, then on loan to Vitesse in which, however, he enjoyed two very fruitful loan spells.

Though, it has been enough for him to break into the Real Madrid team. The expectations at the club was that the player would just become another one of those unfortunate Real Madrid flops. Carlo Ancelotti, who was manager at the time of Ødegaard’s arrival, compounded the idea that the player could become another Real Madrid failed statistic:

When [Real Madrid President] Florentino [Perez] buys a Norwegian footballer, you simply have to accept it,”

“Furthermore, he decided that he would play three games with the first team as a public relations exercise. He could be the best player in the world, but I don’t care because he was not a player who I asked for. That signing was to do with PR.”

Not how you would want to be remembered as a Real Madrid player.

However, those comments haven’t affected Ødegaard at all and it his determination and fight to force his name on everyone’s lips once again. The Norwegian has refused to just become another PR excuse and Ancelotti may just be eating his words right now.

After an impressive loan spell at Vitesse, in the Dutch top-flight – scoring 11 goals and laying on 12 assists in 39 games – Ødegaard is now lighting up La Liga and has become Real Madrid’s best player this season… and he hasn’t even kicked a ball for the European champions yet. The Norwegian maestro is gracing his talents at Real Sociedad who have become, so far this season, one of the most exciting outfits in European football so far this season.

Ødegaard has been at the centre of Sociedad’s rise up the La Liga table.

Ødegaard still holds dreams of one day playing for one of the greatest clubs in history:

‘My goal is still to play for Real Madrid. That’s why I signed for them, because I want to play there some day. I feel like I’ve improved a lot in the last two years. I think I’m a better player and I’m more mature, older and a little stronger physically. I feel better now than when I first came to Spain.”

The way the Norwegian has started the season at Sociedad, he may be gracing the Santiago Bernabeu sooner than expected. Ødegaard has been scintilating to watch, and is the main reason for Sociedad’s stylish displays under former player and current coach Imanol Alguacil. The Basque country based club currently find themselves second in La Liga trailing Ødegaard’s parent club Real Madrid by a single point after 6 games. 

Playing on the right of a midfield three for Alguacil, the Norwegian has been deployed as something of a roaming playmaker. A component which is described as a teams main creative threat in midfield, blessed with incredible skill, technical brilliance, vision, passing, movement and also carries the whole side when weaving through the lines between the oppositions defence and midfield and also when on the counter-attack. If you need any evidence of his brilliance then check out his assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s first goal against Alaves during the week. It was simply outstanding. 

PLEASE, CLICK THE ABOVE LINK..

It was as if Ødegaard held a protractor, seamlessly trying to dissect which angle he would so unerringly caress a through pass for Oyarzabal to get on the end of. Like something out of Kevin De Bruyne’s magic book. Not only was the pass so precise but it was the piece of skill that came before it, the young maestro didn’t even sweat as he so easily nutmegged his marker to create space.

It was absolutely majestic.

The contrast between the youngster who joined from Stromsgodset and was later farmed out to Heerenveen and Vitesse could not be more stark. At 16 he looked every bit a ‘YouTube footballer’ as you would call it, a skillful number 10 with an impressive repoitre of tricks and flicks, someone who could capture the imagination of his contemporaries on the internet.

Now, Ødegaard looks the complete midfielder. Much has been made of Real Madrid’s pursuit of Paul Pogba from Manchester United, a dream galactico signing constantly being pondered on by Zidane who is believed to be a huge fan of the French superstar. The question is, why go and spend 200-odd million on Pogba when you’ve got a remarkably gifted talent waiting in the wings, lighting up La Liga at present.

What’s also impressive of the Norwegian wonderkid is his relentless energy and work-ethic which has been expertly harnessed so far in Sociedad’s pressing intensity. As soon as they loose the ball, they hustle and harry to win it back as quickly as possible and Ødegaard has mastered those traits to devastating effect. Ødegaard is massively intelligent and is a player who can only get better, which is scary. It seems as though the player has been around for a while, and indeed he has. Yet, he’s only 20 years of age.

Ødegaard has a two-year loan deal at Real Sociedad and has shown incredible commitment to the clubs cause, which is evident in his purchase of a house in the region of Sociedad. That sort of commitment has made him increasingly popular with his team-mates and the club fans but its his displays that have got the whole club believing they could make an unprecedented return into the Champions League in the near future. The player must take huge credit for his attitude, not allowing the early experiences to unsettle his career, nor allowing himself to get lost in the loan flux that he has been plagued with. Though, those loans have proved a blessing in disguise and his experiences in Holland have served to toughen him up.

Being back in La Liga has given Ødegaard an extra incentive to impress his parent club. Nothing he does this season will be hidden away from Real Madrid who will surely be keeping an eye on his development. Like the pass he made against Alaves – an assist that you can play over and over again – every bit of magic Ødegaard conjures up this season will be made viral in Spain where he is still desperate to be a success at Real Madrid.

If he continues to play like he is currently, then it will be impossible for Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane to ignore his array of talents. Whether the Norwegian can prove both of them he is good enough to become a leader of the Real Madrid pack, will be up to him.

For now, this is a player currently deemed as the best in the league so far. With a whole host of talents around him, that is some high praise.

Martin Ødegaard surely is no longer the forgotten man.

In what is expected to be another exciting and intriguing weekend of Premier League action, we turn our attentions to the fixtures on Sunday with games such as West Ham vs Manchester United & Chelsea vs Liverpool that is sure to grab the headlines come the end of the weekend. All four teams are in need of victories, so how could Sundays games – including Arsenal vs Aston Villa and Crystal Palace vs Wolves – shape up?

Here are my previews and predictions:

Crystal Palace vs Wolves, (14:00pm) 

Your mind may be telling you that Wolves are guaranteed to pick up the three points, but we’re at the point where we can’t make an honest prediction of this one. Both teams are coming off the back of defeats. Wolves were blown away by Chelsea last weekend, which was uncharacteristic of Nuno Santo’s men who are always astute and rugged at the back. Whether its down to fatigue from Europa League qualification or bad form, this isn’t the exciting Wolves that we have come to enjoy as of late. Nuno Santo’s men will need to reassure the the fans that this is just a temporary blip.

Crystal Palace on the other hand, just can’t seem to find the net in front of their fans at the moment. with only just the one goal scored in the two games at Selhurst Park. What’s also a bit worrying for Roy Hodgson is that we haven’t seen the best of Wilfried Zaha yet. Certainly, his failed move away from the club may be the cause of his recent slump but now Zaha has got to show professionalism and give his current employers his best or else he won’t be fielding any calls for his services come the end of the season – or even in January. As always is the case, much of Palace’s success this season will hinge on the Ivorian’s form.

I’m gonna go with my mind here; Wolves to snatch it, only just.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 

 

West Ham vs Manchester United, (14:00pm)

West Ham always turn on the style when they meet Manchester United on their own turf and who’s to say they can’t do the same again on Sunday? Manuel Pellegrini’s side have enjoyed quite a fruitful start to the season and have removed the pain of their opening day battering by Manchester City out of their minds. Can Pellegrini improve on last seasons 10th place finish? The additions made over the summer certainly mean that West Ham must make some improvements on last seasons disappointing finish. Sebastien Haller and Pablo Fornals are such quality additions and hold the ability to improve any side, can they become the ingredients Pellegrini needs to maybe take the club to the next level? We shall see.

Manchester United picked up three key points against Leicester City last weekend after Brendan Rodger’s side dominated the whole game. Last season, United would have certainly caved in under that sort of pressure, dropping two vital points, but this season, United’s defence are a different animal. Aaron Wan Bissaka and Harry Maguire have been brilliant since their summer moves and will provide United with much needed solidity and stability at in defence. With David De Gea and Lindelof’s long-term futures secured, the uncertainty at the back has been addressed. However, its in the middle where United will struggle and without Pogba who may be missing for Sunday’s game, it will be difficult for Solskjaer’s men to dominate games, hence the emphasis on counter-attacking football. Will it be enough for a top four finish? Maybe not. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done but you can certainly see what Solskjaer’s trying to build at Old Trafford. The question is whether Woodward and the United faithful have the patience to ride the storm.

West Ham to win here.

 

 

Arsenal vs Aston Villa, (16:30pm)

Naive. Arrogant. Complacent. These are just three words to describe Arsenal’s performance against Watford last weekend, a performance which should have warranted a defeat had Watford been clinical enough in the final stages. Those three words aren’t even enough to describe how Emery’s men capitulated from such a comfortable position. It’s the same old story with Arsenal, and one that Emery is struggling to correct. Time and time again, you could bet your mortgage that Arsenal won’t hold on to a lead, and the game against Watford showed. Yes, David Luiz was brought in to aid those issues, but he and Sokratis – both international and experienced footballers – were the root of the problem. Have Arsenal progressed under the former Paris Saint-Germain coach? It’s debatable. You cannot defend and perform like that if you wanna reclaim a Champions League position come the seasons climax. If Arsenal carry on these sort of performances, they can kiss those ambitions goodbye.

Aston Villa, despite their rocky results so far this season, have really impressed in their performances, and you just feel – like Norwich – they have the required ingredients to somehow avoid relegation this season. Jack Grealish, Wesley, John McGinn and Tyrone Mings are the type of players Dean Smith will be heavily reliant on throughout the season, and they should provide Villa with the experience and ability to finish as high as possible. Villa will alright this season. Dean Smith is building something good at Villa Park, its exciting and refreshing to see.

Arsenal to win this one, though.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa

 

Chelsea vs Liverpool, (4:30pm)

This weekend’s big one.

After both teams midweek Champions League defeats, Frank Lampard and Jurgen Klopp will be busting their guts to come out triumphant at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. On current form, you’d almost be forgiven in rooting for a Liverpool victory and why not? Chelsea’s defence are in a state right now, and that could play well into Liverpool’s hands with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino once again at their fluent best. Chelsea are yet to keep a clean sheet so far this season, and you can expect that run to carry on come Sunday evening.

Tammy Abraham is in the form of his life currently, and he will cause Liverpool some problems who are also quite shaky at the back themselves. Just how Lampard will aim to approach this game will be the main talking point, Chelsea have shown glimpses of some wonderful free-flowing football so far but can they manage to keep it tight at the back? It’s an issue Lampard will need to address if Chelsea hold any ambitions of finishing in the top four

It could really be a thrilling spectacle at Stamford Bridge though I expect Liverpool to continue their 100% record.

Prediction Chelsea 2-3 Liverpool

It was certainly a game that Norwich City fans will be talking about for years to come.

In one of the most astonishing shocks in Premier League history, Norwich City triumphed over reigning champions Manchester City in an enthralling and exciting encounter. It may not be the result as a whole but the manner in which Daniel Farke’s side took apart Manchester City’s vulnerable defence was a lesson and provided a blueprint on how to unsettle this wondrous Pep Guardiola team.

It was a victory all so typical of Farke’s intense, front-foot, attacking style. A style he instantly implemented when he stepped through the doors at Carrow Road in May 2017 – one that served him remarkably as they enjoyed a scintilating campaign in the Championship last season as they won an unprecedented title. Ever since then, the German coach has wowed the Norwich faithful, bringing a joyous aura around the whole club as a result of his energetic approach.

Could his brave attacking philosophy work in the Premier League? Despite, Norwich frailties at the back, it seems as though Farke will be looking to stick to his guns, and his stubbornness seems to be paying dividends. Against Liverpool on the opening night of the season, Norwich put on a real show, giving Klopp’s side a footballing lesson with their relentless pressing, movement and attacking approach. However, much of their impressive phases of play failed to reap any rewards as they were thumped 4-1.

Farke constantly dismissed the notion that he would implement a defensive style after that defeat, with early observations suggesting that his side will be found wanting when faced off against sides of greater quality as they found out against Liverpool and in the 3-2 home defeat to Chelsea. The former Borussia Dortmund coach has not taken the club this far to forsake his principles and the win over Manchester City was an advert on how to dominate the best sides especially Guardiola’s team.

There’s no doubt about it, this is a club that will experience some pain and hurt as the season progresses but they will surely enjoy the rollercoaster ride. Norwich are an exciting side that will not be left wondering as they are clearly determined to continue their frantic and energetic attacking style. Farke clearly has the players at his disposal to do it, a pretty young and exciting one too. Ben Godfrey, Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis, Kenny McClean and Todd Cantwell have provided Farke’s side with a spine that will key to any hopes Norwich have of staying in the division beyond this season. We’ve also already seen the qualities of predatory Teemu Pukki, six goals and two assists in his first five games is no mean feat and if the Finnish international carries on this sort of form in only his first real taste at the English top flight, you really cannot back against Farke pulling off the remarkable and keeping the club in the big time.

Though, one man who is quietly going about his business in such stylish and thrilling fashion, a man whose talents will be difficult to ignore this season, the Argentine sensation, Emiliano Buendia. An unknown quantity to some, but to his contemporaries, this is a player of real class. The attacking midfielder has already provided 4 assists so far this season and has revelled at becoming Daniel Farke’s main creative spark ever since his arrival. He only joined Norwich in August 2018 in a £1.5million move from Getafe – a deal that is already looking a real coup. Coming off the back of a remarkable season on loan at Cultural Leonesa in the Spanish Segunda Division, where he contributed 6 goals and 11 assists in total.

Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, the young prospect transitioned almost seamlessly to the faster, more physical style of football offered by the Championship. Buendia chalked up 8 goals from midfield, in addition to 12 assists – the second highest assist total in the English second division. These are impressive statistics at face value, but it is also important to appreciate his role in Farke’s system, and how he helps teammates around him without necessarily getting his name on the scoresheet.

Buendia currently operates on the right side of Farke’s attacking trio – in behind Teemu Pukki – along with highly-rated Todd Cantwell and the evergreen Marco Steipermann, a trio that offers such a blend of experience and youthful exuberance all in one. It is also an attacking trio that has served Farke well, especially in last years Championship triumph. He may be small in stature, but he is certainly a performer well worth his weight in gold. He is more than your average right sided inside forward, who can beat his marker and put in a cross. No, that’s all basic. Buendia’s talents transcend all that.

The Argentine operates more centrally than his position suggests. He is Farke’s main orchestrator. While Steipermann may operate directly behind Pukki, he is seen as more of a second striker rather than the teams main creative outlet. That role is fulfilled by Buendia’s artistry. Norwich’s width is provided by their full-backs Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis which allows Todd Cantwell and Buendia to operate more centrally. While Aarons marauds down the right when Norwich are in possession, it enables Buendia to drift in the central areas or the half-spaces, like the positions Kevin De Bruyne takes up for Manchester City – between the full-back and the centre-back – where they can make the most of their excellent composure, close-control and vision in such tight spaces. Take Norwich’s goal against Liverpool for example, it is Buendia’s excellent understanding of his role in from the right to roam from his designated position and execute such a telling pass totally dissecting Liverpool’s back line to put Pukki through on goal. It was like something out of the parting of the Red Sea. Simply sublime.

Not only does Buendia have an understanding of his own role but his close connection and knowledge of the nature of runs that Pukki makes – an attacking trait that will certainly cause a lot of sides problems this season. Norwich will score a lot of goals this season, Buendia is sure to be at the centre of everything good about Farke’s attacking setup.

What’s all the more impressive of Buendia is his understanding not only with Pukki but with everyone else around him. When he is on-song, his teammates are also. He has the sort of impact that is similar to a player that we have all enjoyed watching within the last decade, Manchester City’s David Silva. Although, it was the Argentinian that had the last laugh as Norwich superbly ran away with the three points, and in some style. Although, Buendia tends to withdraw from long defence-splitting passes, it his knack for quickly spotting and threading short passes into spaces to his teammates that sets him apart. His quick interchanges with Todd Cantwell and Pukki are a real sight to behold, and was truly evident as Cantwell notched against Newcastle in Norwich’s first win of the season. A goal you could watch over and over again.

He may not have found himself on the score sheet as of yet, but the Argentine does possess a real keen eye for goal. All of his 8 goals last season in the Championship surprisingly all came from inside the box. As well as being brilliant when in possession, Buendia also impressively is a predator in an around the penalty box.

Against City, Buendia was at his sparkling best. As well as Norwich’s main creative threat, he was a real thorn in Manchester City’s side. His constant pressing, hassling and harrying as Norwich tried to unsettle City’s fluency was stark. The Argentine was cut above the rest.

Norwich’s third goal came from his relentless pressing, dispossessing Otamendi who was found doodling on the ball at the edge of his own box, Buendia quickly nicked the ball off him and instead of trying to find the net himself, he unselfishly squared the ball onto Pukki who comfortably scored as Norwich went 3-1 up. Buendia was everywhere, when he needed to track-back, he consummately did so. When right-back Sam Byram was caught up field, he was the one helping out to halt City’s attacks down their left. It was the complete performance.

The craft, guile and skill of Emiliano Buendia is certainly there for all to see. There’s no doubt about it, Chelsea and Manchester City won’t be the only ones falling victim to the Argentine’s individual brilliance this season. Everyone loves the Kevin De Bruynes, David Silvas and Paul Pogbas of this world but Emiliano Buendia is a player certainly cut from the same cloth. He is a player whose individual talents cannot afford to go unnoticed. A real delight to watch.

Emiliano Buendia…Remember the name.