Thiago Alcântara, one of the world’s finest central midfielders is his way to the Premier League next season. Liverpool have agreed a £27million deal to secure the Spanish international’s services from Bayern Munich. The midfielder will sign a four-year-deal at Anfield, taking his infamous and preferred shirt number of no.6.
Rarely will you see such a world-class footballer be available for such said amounts. Certainly, the coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on club finances. Clubs will be unwilling to spend huge fees on players, but this is an opportunity Liverpool simply could not pass up on.
Not every day a world class player becomes available let alone at this price. Thiago an outstanding footballer that improves an already very good Liverpool team. Excellent business.
It’s been reported that Thiago held huge ambitions to move to Anfield, despite Manchester United’s small interest and is excited at the possibility of working for the former Borussia Dortmund coach. Thiago is just what they need. The perfect tonic, the perfect component in order to take their game to that next level.
Thiago Alcântara is indeed one of the finest of his generation, a creative metronome, a real joy to behold when he is in full flow. That’s been the story of his role in Bayern Munich’s resurgence under Hansi Flick since the turn of the year.
Almost every Bayern attack flowed through the Spanish midfielder. A jinky, silky, technically gifted and unique distributor of the ball. If you’ve seen his performances over the past few games in the Champions League, you’ll see the ease at which he operates, breaking opposition lines without even looking. He knows what he’s going to do, holding a picture in his head before he even performs his next move.
The awareness, the vision, the technical acumen, the passing, the understanding of where his attacking teammates are is simply unerring. Thiago makes the difficult things look so simple.
Throughout his career, he’s featured as a number 10 looking to deliver the final ball, as a number six at the base of the midfield looking to break up play and redistribute possession from deep, or as a midfield all-rounder providing momentum to the play, acting as distributor-in-chief from a more advanced position in the centre of the pitch.
Against Leeds on the opening day, Liverpool needed a commanding presence in midfield, someone who could change the pace of the game when players go into panic mode and the momentum of the match passes them by. Bielsa’s Leeds thoroughly overran Liverpool’s midfield at times in a fantastic 4-3 defeat, and Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita just couldn’t grab a hold of the game and calm things down.
Thiago offers that in abundance, he showed just that against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, just consummately getting the ball and distributing it with relative ease, everything slowing down to his pace. PSG just couldn’t live with him, they couldn’t get close to him as the Spaniard ran the show.
He’s not just your average pass master, but Thiago has added a lot of weaponry to his extraordinary footballing gifts especially in the defensive department. He’s now capable of breaking up play like a destructive defensive midfielder, screening ahead for danger and also getting himself involved in Bayern’s relentless counter-pressing, quickly trying to win the ball back in order to instantly build an attack.
Thiago has it all. It’s a shame his exceptional abilities are only being fully appreciated now, at the age of 29. If not for the recurring injuries earlier on his career, he could have well been deemed as one of the greatest of his generation.
It’s time about time Thiago graces the Premier League, and he’s the perfect missing piece in Jurgen Klopp’s jigsaw. So often Liverpool have relied on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson for creativity from the wide areas, whereas their creativity in the middle derives from Roberto Firmino dropping deep to pick the ball and link-up with the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
While Liverpool’s midfielders, Giorgino Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho provide the engine and efficiency with and without the ball, the full-backs are the ones supplying the necessary cutting thrust balls to hurt the opposition.
With Thiago, in the fold, Liverpool will certainly hold a much needed variety in their play. The invention and imagination won’t just derive from the full-backs but from Thiago’s technically brilliant weaponry.
Is this how Liverpool could line-up with Thiago?
At Bayern, Thiago is charged with sitting deep and orchestrating attacks, dissecting opposition lines with his fine passing and wonderful vision at the base of Flick’s fluid 4-2-3-1 system.
In Liverpool’s 4-3-3 system, the Spaniard could perform all that and more on the right of the trio, becoming more involved in the attacking build-up, and having a major influence in the final third. The Spaniard astonishingly averaged 9.69 final third passes per 90 last season highlighting his extraordinary abilities on the ball, but in Klopp’s gegenpressing system, Thiago could fit right in.
Like stated previously, Thiago isn’t just a pass master, he’s as effective without the ball as he is with it.
He successfully completed 5.60 successful pressures, 3.77 tackles won, and 4.02 interceptions per 90 meaning he is just as effective and dominant in his defensive duels, adding to his amazing variety in his own game and the flexibility at which he could offer Liverpool. He can perform, the roaming no.8 role, the deep-lying number 6 role or at no.10 if need be. At least, Liverpool will finally have a player in midfield who can pick out the constantly moving forwards at such regularity and accuracy.
The best part about Liverpool getting Thiago isn't just that he adds something new and fresh to the system, but he can play in all the three positions in midfield.
That comes from his completeness and he can be such a game-changer for Klopp's system like Gundogan was.
Jurgen Klopp will be looking to evolve Liverpool’s football next season, as certain clubs will now be looking to suppress their weaponry and probably focus on halting their attacking full-backs, and Thiago’s arrival could be the centre of that evolution, providing the creativity and invention that Liverpool have been desiring in the midfield.
Has the pendulum dramatically swung in the Premier League title race?
Upon Willian’s move to Arsenal in August, many Gunners fans were left scratching their heads wondering what Mikel Arteta was thinking signing a player just a few weeks after his 32nd birthday.
When snatching a player from under the noses of your rivals, it should bring joy and some sense of bragging rights, but for Arsenal fans it was a deal with left some dumbfounded.
Chelsea were happy to let the player leave, despite them offering him a new deal, but few could have imagined Mikel Arteta taking an interest in the player, and fans reservations on the signing could rightly have been justified.
Arsenal are looking to get players off the wage bill, players such as Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Torreira, Callum Chambers, Sokratis and Saed Kolasinac have been deemed surplus to requirement as the club enters in a new era of players who would shift and transform Arsenal fortunes under Arteta.
Many thought Willian would be just another unnecessary player who’s wages will restrict the clubs finances, and hamper plans to bring in much younger and fresher talents.
Certainly, the Arsenal faithful were thinking long-term while the club were engrossed in short-term thinking, but after their 3-0 victory over Fulham on the first day of the campaign, it appears Mikel Arteta could be about to have the last laugh. Arsenal’s new recruit revealed just why he’s needed for the here and now.
Mikel Arteta signed Willian because he knew the player would be suited to his plans from the get go. There’s no need for a bedding-in period or a particular routine in order to find consistency or a rhythm in their game like Nicolas Pepe or Bukayo Saka would. Willian is Premier League proven, and a serial winner. Arsenal needed that, Mikel Arteta knew it and got his man.
Chelsea’s loss became Arsenal’s gain.
“He has very special qualities. He has experience in this league, he’s a player that doesn’t miss football matches. Last season at Chelsea you could see the amount of games he played.”
Mikel Arteta on Willian after 3-0 victory over Fulham
Against Fulham, Willian provided a timely reminder to all those Arsenal fans who doubted his capture of his potent nature and cutting edge in the final third. He had a hand in all three goals, and it was his picture-perfect deft long pass which found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score Arsenal’s third.
Arsenal’s first goal came because of his fantastic understanding of picking up positions in which to hurt the opposition, working hard to take advantage of Fulham’s defensive errors to get on shot off which allowed Alexandre Lacazette the opportunity to bundle in the opening goal.
Arsenal have been crying out for some creativity, and while players such as Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka have certainly offered such, none can match Willian’s experience and cutting thrust when it comes down to it. The Brazillian may originally line-up on the right-wing, but his influence extends much further than that.
Willian constantly showed that he possesses the capabilities and the positional understanding to become the link-man between attack and midfield, always offering an option between the lines. He may have appeared to play as a right-winger, but he continually drifted infield operate in tight spaces, the very spaces where the absence of someone like Mesut Ozil is sure to be keenly felt.
That is the hallmark of Willian’s game, he offers so much going forward. Whether its drifting in field to thread a fine pass or link up with his teammates or marauding about on the outside, taking on his marker and providing some telling crosses into the box.
There is a fine and unique variety in Willian’s game, and that’s what Arsenal needed. His technical abilities seem to always go unnoticed, the dazzling footwork and eye-catching pieces of brilliance. It’s why he’ll form such a devastating understanding and partnership with Aubameyang.
Arsenal’s forwards may be on the other side of their prime years with Willian aged 32, Aubameyang aged 31 and Lacazette only turning 29 in May, but their experience when it matters most, the know-how and confidence in front of goal which could well propel Arsenal to new heights this campaign.
Willian's Arsenal debut by numbers:
96% pass accuracy 7 final ⅓ entries 5 penalty area entries 5 ball recoveries 4 crosses 3 chances created 2 shots 2 fouls won 2 assists
One game, two assists, three chances created, seven final third passes. The display against Fulham was a perfect case study of just why Arteta pushed for Willian even though he has a plethora of young wingers to call on.
Since the start of 2016/17, only two players have created more chances in the Premier League than Willian’s 271. He is amongst the most prolific for passing actions that lead to shots and that is something Arsenal need, a player to regularly produce with their magical misfit maestro Mesut Ozil seemingly incompatible with Arteta’s vision for the Gunners.
What will prove key for Mikel Arteta as he pointed out in his comments above, is that Willian rarely gets injured. Every season, he is always available for selection. His injury towards the end of last season, (with some debating whether he was actually injured upon his impending departure) was the first in a long while. He’s reliable and always available, and that’s why he’s amongst the most underrated performers in the current Premier League era.
Do Arsenal fans still have their reservations over the Willian signing after the Fulham performance? It may be too early to judge him just yet, but the Brazilian’s capture may ultimately prove a stroke of genius from Mikel Arteta.
Certainly, its only been seven weeks without the excitement, the allure and the thrill of arguably the most competitive competition in Europe, because of the current coronavirus pandemic.
There’s the argument that football really hasn’t been the same because of the current climate, with no fans allowed at stadiums, but that won’t stop the gut-wrenching action and drama that fills such a prestigious and decorated competition.
As the season reopens, there will certainly be the potential sub-plots and captivating stories that fans will certainly be looking forward in the engrossing nature of the Premier League title race, the fight for the Champions League & Europa League spots and of course, the devastating experience of relegation.
One aspect fans will be excited and intrigued by is which first-time players could potentially grab the headlines especially within the three promoted teams: Fulham, Leeds United and West Brom who will all have plenty to offer throughout the campaign.
So who are these potentially exciting Premier League first-timers and how could they get on?
Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace
One of the standout performers in the Championship last year. Eberechi Eze is enjoying a rapid and exciting upward curve in his career so far. 14 goals and eight assists in what was a remarkably potent and thrilling campaign for the midfielder who’s extraordinary talents could not be ignored by his new club Crystal Palace.
Playing for a mid-table side such as QPR and still put in numbers such as those is a testament to Eze’s abilities. It will be intriguing to see how Roy Hodgson deploys the attacking midfielder this campaign, will he enjoy playing with Wilfried Zaha or is he a direct replacement? That remains to be seen.
However, Eze is certainly a potential Premier League surprise package, a player who oozes confidence and class on the ball, he’s a nutmeg merchant, one truly capable in getting fans off their seats through his silky footwork, technical acumen and incredible vision. When on the ball, Eze makes things happen, whether its getting by his opponent through a such nimble footwork or threading an eye-of-the needle pass, and Palace need that. Hogdson’s side have often lacked the invention and imagination to open up teams especially last season only scoring 31 goals, the lowest tally out of any side in the division.
The latest additions of Eberechi Eze and Michy Batshuyai certainly addresses that issue.
Matheus Pereira, West Brom
Yet another standout Championship performer last season (there’s a few of them on this list). West Brom have smartly secured the permanent signing of Matheus Pereira from Sporting Lisbon after such an impressive loan spell and breakthrough first campaign in English football.
Pereira contributed to 24 goals for West Brom last season (8 goals, 16 assists). A stat which makes for spectacular reading, and a true indication as to the kind of ability the Brazilian holds in his amazing weaponry. The winger, deployed as Bilic’s sole creator last season has been a revelation becoming an influential figure in attack for West Brom.
Matheus Pereira is dangerously close to becoming the best player I've ever seen for us.
I dont even feel like I'm being rash in saying that
Vision, ball control, passing, movement, creativity, work-rate and threat in front of goal. Matheus Pereira has got the lot, and you can see why Slaven Bilic was so desperate to secure his services permanently before last campaign drew to a close.
A tricky Brazilian that possesses eye-catching skills and a low centre of gravity – Pereira effortlessly found his feet in the Championship after two previous loan spells with Chaves and FC Nurnberg respectively. The Brazilian was the most fouled player in the whole division (2.7 times fouled per game), a testament to his remarkable technical attributes. As soon as he steps onto the field, defensive midfielders automatically know they’re in for a tough ride.
Matheus Pereira is simply deadly with the ball at his feet, particularly in set-piece situations too. He is Bilic’s assigned dead ball specialist and rightly so, his sweet left foot an effective weapon in itself.
Now, the question is whether Matheus Pereira can make the step-up required to continue his fantastic development. He’s certainly got all the attributes to become a Premier League star.
William Saliba, Arsenal
William Saliba has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most talented and coveted young defenders, enjoying a fantastic campaign with French outfit Saint-Etienne to continue his development and experience playing first team football, the reason Arsenal bought him and sent him out on loan.
Now the young Frenchman is back and already looks at home in his new colours. This is a defender with such admirable class and potential, and could be one of the leading centre-backs in the Premier League and Europe in the near future.
An assured and composed presence at the back, blessed with a blend of unique defensive skill sets both on the ball and without it. Saliba is an engaging defender, always on guard to snuff out oncoming attacks and stepping out to intercept or shield strikers away from the penalty area.
For his age, his build and frame is quite telling which means he’s always able to overpower his opponents even when you don’t expect him to. Per 90 last season, he won 1.31 tackles, 1.90 interceptions and 71% of his aerial duels highlighting his brilliant reading of the game and key defensive attributes.
Saliba could quickly become one of the best youngsters in his position this season.
Ferran Torres, Manchester City
While the modern day interpretation of a winger is one who cuts inside and becomes one of most influential components in an attack, Ferran Torres is one of the few players making exceptional strides as a traditional winger, one who is well versed in causing havoc in getting to the byline, and providing for his fellow forwards.
Manchester City have signed a true gem in Ferran Torres, and its a real certainty that the Spanish wingers game will continue to evolve and develop under the guidance and tutelage of Pep Guardiola, just ask Raheem Sterling.
The former Valencia is already of the most prominent and exciting young wide-forwards in Europe and holds all the ingredients to become a Premier League great in his position. Torres is a speed merchant, an incredibly agile and a tricky winger with bags of showboating skills, pieces of movement and is fast becoming a much more potent force in front of goal with his decision-making and use of the ball.
Averaging a direct goal contribution every 188 minutes last season, Ferran Torres also impressively equated 1.1 key passes per 90 minutes in the domestic top-flight and averaged 1.9 key passes in the Champions League. With his blistering pace and mazy dribbling skills, the winger is also averaged 2.2 dribbles per 90 minutes at a success rate of 56%.
Just the perfect replacement for the departed Leroy Sane.
As the season progresses, you’ll certainly catch glimpses of why Ferran Torres is so highly rated.
Donny Van de Beek, Manchester United
One of the leading lights in European football over the past couple seasons. Netherlands international Donny Van de Beek will finally be provided with the opportunity to grace the Premier League, and already the midfielder is garnering enough praise and positive anticipation as he awaits his Manchester United bow.
Efficiency. Hard-work. Craft. Personality.
Donny Van de Beek is a true embodiment of what a great Premier League midfielder looks like and he truly holds all the attributes and qualities to really become one. An exceptional player and incredibly intelligent capable of both scoring goals and also creating them too.
Though, its his understanding and awareness of space in which to hurt the opposition that marks him out amongst his peers. He knows where defences weaknesses are, and will exploit it with to such devastating and swift effect. It’s his versatility that stands out too, and its down to the tremendous education that the Ajax academy brings, being able to fulfil different roles across the pitch.
Van de Beek is a simple and an excellent example of the Ajax way, not only being effective in attacking midfielder but in a box-to-box or in defensive midfield. It will be interesting to see how Solskjaer utilises the midfielder this season, but we do know the Norwegian wants more goals from midfield and Van de Beek offers just that.
Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United
Dubbed ‘The Yorkshire Pirlo’. Leeds United captain Kalvin Phillips is a footballer tailor-made for Premier League football, and his achievements with Leeds has deservedly brought him this far. Also, now a full English international after his impressive performance in the 0-0 stalemate with Denmark.
He played 80 minutes in that game, and in that time you could already see what he will bring to the English top-flight. A calm, cool and measured presence with the ball and without it. Phillips holds such massive importance to Marcelo Bielsa well constructed Leeds side, in that he’s the one to keep things ticking over in possession and also the one that glues both the defence and midfield together, and that’s exactly what he showed on his England bow.
A commanding presence and astute too, screening in front of the defence brilliantly, always aware of oncoming danger and a fantastic leader too. Kalvin Phillips is on course to enjoy a very fruitful first campaign in the Premier League.
Matheusz Klich, Leeds United
Another key figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s exciting side, and a true midfield enforcer. Matheusz Klich may be something of an unknown quantity to Premier League fans, but if he can better or match the performance levels of last season in the Championship then there’s no reason why he can’t also become an efficient and effective presence in one of the toughest leagues in Europe.
6 goals and 5 assist in Leeds’ title winning campaign. Klich played as bigger role in their success as Kalvin Phillips did. The Polish international is an energetic, tenacious and skilful midfielder, proving such an effective component both in attack and defence, and its his high performance levels and edge-of-seat nature that makes him so valuable to Marcelo Bielsa. The Premier League requires midfielders such as Klich and that’s why he’ll be a huge success this season if Leeds can find their groove.
Fabio Silva, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Spending £35million on a 18-year-old is a huge risk, especially in the current climate. It’s been said that Wolves spent most of their budget through this deal, and while that may prove silly to some, Fabio Silva may yet prove down the line that he is worth the huge outlay.
He’s a player for the future, and a tremendously talented one too. A real fox-in-the box striker, always in the right positions at the right time, an invaluable trait for any top striker.
Fabio Silva is the future of Portuguese football and Nuno Santo acknowledges it, that’s why he believes Silva will have no problems fast-tracking to the Premier League. Built in the same mould as their Mexican hitman Raul Jimenez, Silva holds such unique attributes needed to become a top forward. Blessed with a fine first touch, a good understanding of where to be in the penalty area and is well capable in linking up nicely with his fellow forwards.
Exciting and inventive young footballers are always welcome in the Premier League, and Fabio Silva certainly fits the bill. What’s that famous old saying in football? If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
Josh Onomah, Fulham
Breathe… Josh Onomah is finally back in the big time. A player who really deserves his shot in the Premier League, and a player with a point to prove too.
The 23-year-old hasn’t had a taste of the English top-flight since the 2015/16 campaign when he was just 19 years of age at Tottenham Hotspur, the club he came through in. But now, this season is his chance, his opportunity to really prove that he is indeed good enough for Premier league football.
If you need any reminders or indications as to the talent that Onomah holds, you only need to watch his wonderful solo run and goal against Cardiff in the Play-off semi-final first leg tie against Cardiff last season. Showing his silky ball-control, balance, dribbling and craft.
Josh Onomah is a very crafty midfielder and has so far impressed and shone through under a manager in Scott Parker who believes in him, and will once again be vital to any hope Fulham may have of avoiding a swift demotion back down to the Championship.
Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa
Have Aston Villa finally found the potent number 9 they’ve been crying for?
Brentford’s Ollie Watkins has reportedly completed his move to Villa Park and if last season in the Championship is anything to build upon, he may just be the type of striker Aston Villa need in order to challenge higher up the league table.
26 goals in the Championship last year, finishing top-scorer, Watkins has enjoyed such a stellar rise so far in his career and it certainly seems as though Aston Villa is the perfect career move for him at this moment in time. But questions will be asked on whether he can replicate his form from the Championship into the Premier League. Few have tried and failed.
£30million is huge money, and its up to Watkins to justify Villa’s return for him. Though, Watkins may just surprise a lot of people. He’s a striker with an incredible blend of unique attributes in his arsenal. Potent in front of the goal, can hold and link up play well, skillful on the ball and is incredibly quick for his size.
Last season, he had Said Benrahma supplying him the opportunities, now he’ll be hoping Jack Grealish remains at the club to provide him with the same creative qualities. The fans will be expecting much from Watkins because of his price tag, and it will certainly a big test for him. The pressure to deliver is on.
Ben White, Brighton & Hove Albion
It said much that Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City were all scouring for Ben White’s signature after his impressive at Leeds United last year.
Marcelo Bielsa desperately tried to bring him back to Elland Road permanently, reportedly making three bids for his services which were all knocked back by Brighton.
Graham Potter sees something special in the 22-year-old, as much as we all do, and rightly so. Ben White is an upward trajectory, and don’t be surprised to see him winning his first England cap within the next couple of years.
Composed on the ball, dominant aerially, calm under pressure with his passing and tackling, White impressively adhered to the robust nature of the Championship with consummate ease. It’s as if the time spent in the Championship proved a step down rather than a learning curve.
Ben White is the composite, modern day centre-back. His smooth transition from League Two level football to the Championship has seen him maintain his unique trait of performing so cool in possession, and its why he is the perfect component for Graham Potter’s possession-based style.
For a player who only made his Championship debut in August 2019, White’s progression into the required standard was remarkable and swift meaning he is highly adaptable and a quick learner. The Championship brought him face-to-face with the most rigorous of attacks with forwards in the current era possessing more intelligent movement, greater athleticism and unique styles.
The Premier League will bring much sterner and more lethal tests, but White holds the character and the ability to thrive despite it.
Ethan Ampadu, Sheffield United
Sheffield United have coughed up a steel in signing Ethan Ampadu. The on-loan Chelsea defender will almost certainly be refining his game and development under the sound tutelage of Chris Wilder.
His time at RB Leipzig may not have bore much fruit for him, but it was a lesson that he would have learned a lot from, and he will feel his move to Bramall Lane may just be the perfect platform and opportunity he needs to grow into his promising potential.
Ampadu will be playing in a team that is brilliantly put together, organised, rigid and one perfectly adhering to a specific plan and style. That’s just what Ampadu needs, playing in a team that will surely provide him with some confidence and a chance to work on his game defensively in terms of his positioning and awareness.
A full Welsh international now, and a player who will have no qualms trying to familiarise himself with the rigours of such an incredibly demanding league. He’s got the talent, the willingness to learn which means the 19-year-old may just prove to be one of the surprise packages this season.
The Jack Grealish and Manchester United potential matrimony has been one of the media sagas of the summer, with various reports stating that the Aston Villa captain is currently open to the idea of joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Old Trafford revolution.
Jack Grealish remains one of Manchester United’s prime targets along with Jadon Sancho who’s expected move to Old Trafford this summer has somewhat stalled as the club do not want to pay the proposed the said £108million needed to secure his signature.
It remains to be seen whether United will eventually complete the Sancho deal before their season gets underway, but Jack Grealish’s £80million price tag is sure to put Manchester United off also. The current financial climate will not allow Manchester United to pay such a figure, especially for a player without any European experience and international pedigree.
If Manchester United are failing to meet the figure quoted for Jadon Sancho so far, then the same can be said for Jack Grealish. The Villa captain has a serious decision to make this summer. Does he force his way out of his beloved football club and seek a move elsewhere or does he remain loyal and commit his future to the club?
There is a strong case for Jack Grealish to seek a move to a much bigger club to test himself amongst the elite, especially with a club playing Champions League football, and Manchester United are reportedly the only club willing to offer him a way out. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a huge admirer of the player, and its about time Grealish fulfilled his massive potential amongst the best players.
Every player dreams of Champions League football, and Grealish is no different. The immense talent he’s shown throughout last season warrants such ambitions.
Manchester United can offer him Champions League football next season, but he must decide whether he wants it or not, and that means handing a transfer request to move elsewhere. It’s understandable if Grealish decides not to force a move out of respect and love for his boyhood club, but the betterment of his career must be paramount in his decision-making.
Will Jack Grealish become a much better player staying at Aston Villa?
That’s the ‘million-dollar’ question the 24-year-old will need to ask himself.
Grealish is reaching an age, a period in his career where his immediate future and career ambitions will need to be defined. What sort of player does he want to be? Does he harbour ambitions to challenge for major honours? Or does he wish to be fighting relegation season after season?
Jack Grealish is simply too good a player to be fighting relegation, if not for him Villa certainly won’t have survived last campaign. Arguably the sole creative force in the whole squad, a player who everyone looked to add some bite, imagination and creativity in the final third.
Jack Grealish in the 19/20 Premier League [rank among English players]:
184 shot-creating actions [1st] 167 fouls suffered [1st] 91 chances created [1st] 79 passes into the box [2nd] 73 successful take-ons [3rd] 6 assists [=4th]
He finished second behind Kevin De Bruyne for chances created in the Premier League last season (91) for a team battling relegation is certainly an impressive feat which allows fans to wonder just what he could achieve at a bigger club with more potent forwards – creativity and chances offered at a premium.
Grealish must be dreaming of providing chances and assists for the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial alongside star-studded midfielders such as Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba. It’s having the opportunity to play alongside these high-calibre players that doesn’t really come around too often. Grealish possesses the necessary ingredients, the talent, the quality and character to thrive amongst the best, but how far is he willing to go to reach those lofty aims?
Villa will not budge or settle for less than their reported £80million price tag and Manchester United certainly won’t be paying such a hefty sum for the midfielder, especially within the current financial climate where even the biggest and richest clubs are incredibly hesitant on spending large sums of money.
If Grealish fosters any sort of dreams to achieve much more in his career then a decision to force a move away maybe is his only option. He still has three more years left under his current deal at Villa park so you can’t blame the club for demanding such a huge fee at this time. They are currently in a relaxed and comfortable position in regards to holding on to their best player.
Jack Grealish is reportedly said to be happy to remain at Aston Villa for the immediate future, but is also interested in moving to Manchester United if a deal can be reached. With the club unwilling to part with £80million as quoted by Villa, Jack Grealish must decide where his future lies this summer.
After finally making his international bow for England against Denmark, be-it for only the last ten minutes, there must be the feeling in Grealish that he must move clubs to garner more international recognition and appreciation. The midfielder has been overlooked time and time again for the England squad and would not have been rewarded with a call-up had Marcus Rashford been fit for action. It makes you wonder, what does Grealish need to do in order to win Southgate over?
What sort of player does he wish to be? Is it one fighting relegation season after season, or does he wish to fulfil his undoubted potential and challenge for major titles both at club level and with England?
Every top footballer holds a desire to be the best and match it with the best, Grealish without a doubt falls into that category, and a player of his impressive calibre should indeed be gracing the grandest stages, but its ultimately up to him. Does he sacrifice his love and loyalty to Aston Villa in search of much more greener pastures? Or does he stay and watch his career peter out?
Spain’s 4-0 triumph over Ukraine saw the Barcelona wonderkid become the youngest ever scorer for the Spanish national side at 17 years and 311 days, more than a year after recording the same feat at club level for Barcelona in August 2019 against Osasuna and in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the prestigious competition against Inter Milan (17 years, 40 days).
The 17-year-old will surely be breaking many more records for years to come, but at such a tender age, Fati is already capturing the imagination of many fans across Europe, not least his legendary predecessor.
It’s fascinating to note that Lionel Messi is a huge fan of the kid, and his decision to remain at Barcelona for the upcoming season may just be the correct one for both the club legend and Barcelona’s new superstar on the block.
Another year for Ansu Fati to progress and develop alongside one of the greatest players of all time and for Messi to spend another year helping shape and refine Fati’s superb abilities. It is surely the one thing the Argentine superstar is excited about, despite the ill-feelings he may be harbouring after the club’s failure to grant him his wishes to leave.
After nearly two weeks of headlines surrounding the future of Messi at Camp Nou were brought to an end after his exclusive interview with Goal, it was only poetic and fitting that Barca’s next big hope stole the show two days later on his full debut for his country.
For now though, Barcelona fans will be hoping and praying that Ansu Fati is a key part of new boss Ronald Koeman’s regime. He’s surely got to be after his performance against Ukraine. This is a player with such unerring and unique abilities, a timely reminder as to how Lionel Messi started out 16 years ago.
Fair enough, it isn’t the same climate where fans were close to the action, revelling at the sight of a future global superstar in Lionel Messi, incessantly bowing at the dancing feet of a little magician. Ansu Fati may not be performing under such dreamy conditions right now, but his performances continue to wow and excite at such epic proportions.
The silky tricks, the flicks, the aura in which he so effortlessly struts about the pitch bamboozling defenders is a sure sight to behold, and Ukraine’s right-back Oleksandr Tymchyk was another name on Fati’s potential long list of victims, another dot on a really bright and elusive canvas that is Fati’s short career so far.
It’s not just the tricks and flicks, and the superb goals that Fati has notched so far that has wowed many, but its the confidence and the bravery at which he performs to such elite standards. This is a 17-year-old setting the benchmark, setting the parameters for a potential illustrious career.
Few youngsters can excite at such grandeur levels, many shy away from the responsibilities and hide under their shells. But not Ansu Fati. The 17-year-old Spaniard has approached his new found responsibilities like a duck to water, showing that he’s not just got the natural talent and abilities to flourish but also the character, passion and drive to improve, to take on new horizons and his first full start for his country proved an invaluable exemplar for any of other young star hoping to break through.
Despite all the hype surrounding Ansu Fati – and it really is justifiable – it’s important to remember that he’s just 17 years of age and will be need to be provided with the room to make mistakes and the opportunity to learn from them and develop even further.
It says a lot about his extraordinary gifts that Barcelona are refusing to send him out on loan. He’s got much to offer the Barcelona first team, and his first year at the Camp Nou displays just why he’s entrusted with first team responsibilities. The pressure and high standards that is, performing for such an illustrious club really hasn’t fazed Ansu Fati and he can now take that forward.
There will be bumps in the road for the talented forward, however, and it is unclear whether Ronald Koeman would give him the opportunities he merits considering the pressures the Dutchman faces to clean house at his old club and to improve fortunes immediately. The club is in major need of surgery which is already slowing underway at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona are heading into a new era. A new era that will need to prepare for the inevitable departure of a true great, a club legend and a global icon, but also one that will usher in a new fresh and exciting superstar, one who goes by the name of Ansu Fati.
Picture this, it’s the 26th July 2020 and Manchester United have just beaten Leicester to secure their place in next years Champions League. Straight away my initial thoughts had me salivating as to when Sancho would be holding up that famous number 7 shirt…….over a month later and some would say due to the incompetence of the board United are still nowhere closer to completing the deal after initial negotiations between Manchester United and Dortmund at the beginning of August.
With just over two weeks till United start their campaign transfer activity needs to pick up as right wing is one of many positions where they need to strengthen. With every given day the fan base gets frustrated due to the lack of transfer activity compared to Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and pretty much every other club in the Premier League apart from Wolves and Leicester who are both yet to make a signing along with United. However, leading into September with potential news surrounding Donny Van Der Beek, Badiashile and Sancho (still) there is still time for Manchester United to have a good transfer window.
It cannot be understated how crucial it is that the board back Solskjaer this summer. Solskjaer like Lampard both had relatively successful first full seasons with their respected clubs, however you can see that the Chelsea owners have fully backed Lampard with how ruthless they have been getting in their targets with six signings and counting already. Although, I don’t feel like United need an overhaul of the squad, much needed depth is required if they envisage closing the gap to Man City and Liverpool. If Solskjaer is not backed it would not be a surprise if the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and co close the gap on United and they may be looking at a struggle just to get into the top four.
Creative midfield depth is something that United’s midfield is crying out for and is one reason that Solksjaer has bought Donny Van De Beek. It became quite clear especially after the lock down that Solskjaer did not trust the likes of Mata, Pereira and Lingard to come on and make an impact hence their lack of minutes in the final nine premier league games. Compared to the three names I mentioned Van De Beek has scored more goals and assists than the three combined in the last two years albeit in the Dutch Eredivisie and was of course instrumental in their Champions League run last year with likes of De Ligt, De Jong and Ziyech. He can be deployed both deeper and more advanced due to his box to box abilities and will add much needed strength in depth for the midfield.
Solskjaer should also be looking to add in the central defensive position. Although, Maguire and Lindelof partnership has improved our defense there are still question marks over both of them especially as a Premier League winning partnership.
A left-footed central defender with good pace and the ability pick out of pockets of space from the back may offer up a better partnership with Maguire, which is why United have been heavily linked to Monaco’s young prodigy Benoit Badiashile and were enquiring about Gabriel before he decided to move to the second best club in London.
More over, with persistent injury concerns with Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones (the forgotten man) and the uncertainty around Chris Smalling’s future, Solksjaer will feel it’s imperative to add a central defender to the mix.
It is time for United owners to pull their fingers out and fully back Solksjaer in this transfer window. Although, the fans have had to wait over a month for good news it seems the Donny Van De Beek deal will be finalised this week. I still believe the Sancho transfer will go through eventually and if they can add a defensive reinforcement, suddenly United’s transfer window would be looking a little more rosy and the fans will start growing in confidence that Manchester United can have a successful season.
Leicester City’s push for an unprecedented Champions League spot ended in sour failure after their last day 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. A defeat which will have dug deep into Brendan Rodgers’ wounds seeing as Leicester City sat comfortably in the top 4 before the Premier League season resumed post-lockdown.
A dramatic downturn in their form, mentality and work-ethic after the season resumed really put a downer on what’s been their best season since they miraculously lifted the Premier League trophy in 2015. Despite their struggles post-lockdown Brendan Rodgers can boast of his squad’s success and development as a whole this season.
Champions League football certainly wasn’t on the agenda in Rodgers’ first full season in charge but at least they have finished in the European places, as they qualify for the Europa League for next season.
In order for Leicester to compete at such a level, they would need huge levels of fitness and most importantly much strength in numbers due to the demands of domestic football coupled with mid-week European ties which won’t be easy, just ask Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Considering the financial impact of the coronavirus on Premier League club’s transfer kitty, it will be difficult for Leicester especially to acquire the players they would need. However, that won’t stop Brendan Rodgers from having his fair share of targets, and the team does indeed a lot of quality in numbers to compete again next season.
So where does the former Liverpool and Celtic boss need reinforcements? Well, they are reportedly looking at another centre-back, a left-back if Ben Chilwell departs, another defensive midfielder after the departure Nampalys Mendy, a winger, a creative central midfielder to fill in for James Maddison when needed and also a suitable long-term replacement for Jamie Vardy.
With their financial constraints, it certainly won’t be easy for Rodgers to acquire all of his targets, but who could he be looking at to strengthen his squad for the aforementioned areas?
Defence
Centre-Back
Evan N’Dicka, Eintracht Frankfurt
Evan N’Dicka may be a relative unknown, but in fact he’s emerged as one of the brightest young defenders in the Bundesliga because of his fantastic performances for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The French international has some excellent physical attributes, which is complemented in his performances so far this season which has come to the notice of some top clubs notably from Germany, Spain and England.
N’Dicka, a 20-year-old, French youth international, has proven a versatile component for Frankfurt this season, lining up as left-back and a left-sided centre-back in a back three.
Standing at 6ft 4in, N’Dicka holds the physical attributes to have an upper-hand aerially harmonized with his ball playing abilities capable of breaking attacks and starting transitions. His pace, bravery and natural fitness means he could be a perfect fit in the Premier League.
Ndicka is also very good with the ball at his feet, which makes him assured in possession, averaging 43.1 passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga and completing 81 per cent of his total passes. His towering presence and languid build means he’s aerially dominant winning 59.5% of his aerial duels and is also consummate in his ground duels winning 1.10 tackles per 90 and 1.62 interceptions. N’Dicka’s physical qualities makes him a perfect fit for the Premier League.
Ben Godfrey, Norwich City
A few may question this option, because of Norwich’s struggles this year, but Ben Godfrey has emerged from those ashes and established himself as one of Norwich’s bright prospects from centre-back.
Certainly, Norwich’s defence of course wasn’t good enough throughout the campaign, but that can be largely put down to the lack of Premier League experience and Godfrey is apart of that fact. However, the young Englishman will be better for the experience and is certainly ready to take another crack at the English top-flight.
Leicester City may arguably be the perfect club for Godfrey to continue his development. He will be amongst top-drawer defenders such as Çağlar Söyüncü, Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans, which will only enhance his own abilities. Strong, quick, agile, an able reader of the game and a leader at the back. Leicester are in strong need of options at centre-back especially considering their potential high volume of matches next season, Ben Godfrey could provide the perfect tonic to drive them forward.
Kristoffer Ajer, Celtic
A player is very familiar with Brendan Rodgers and will no doubt be willing to work with the former Liverpool coach once again. Kristoffer Ajer has been a standout performer from centre-back for Celtic ever since his arrival in 2016, winning everything there is to win in Scotland. It won’t be a complete surprise to see Rodgers come back in for him this summer.
The Norwegian international is certainly good enough to make the step-up to the English top-flight. A fantastic domineering presence at the back, standing at 6ft 6in, Ajer holds such remarkable strength, physique, leadership and positional understanding to thrive instantly in the Premier League. He’s a fantastic outlet in possession too, regularly stepping out of his defensive line to orchestrate play from deep and keep things ticking over.
His tall frame would be a fantastic element for Leicester City, not just at the back but from set-piece situations also, he’s scored his fair share of Celtic goals when needed, scoring 4 times during the 2019/20 campaign. The 22-year-old is certainly more than ready to test himself at the highest level, and with a manager who knows him well in Brendan Rodgers, it would be a perfect match once again.
Potential replacement for Ben Chilwell?
Although left-back may not be a priority position for Leicester this summer, due to the emergence of Luke Thomas, Ben Chilwell is still reportedly attracting a lot of interest and Rodgers will need to plan for the worst case scenario if Chilwell does leave, with Manchester United and Chelsea both keeping tabs on his services.
So here’s a couple low-risk, young, vibrant and potential low-fee options that Rodgers could indeed look to:
Rayan Aït-Nouri, Angers SCO
Yet another unknown quantity to most fans, but could represent a stable, exciting addition for years ahead. Rayan Aït-Nouri is a player turning a lot of heads currently and is reportedly attracting a lot of interest, most notably from Manchester United and Manchester City, and its largely down to impressive performances for Angers this season, and of course his massive potential.
Brendan Rodgers could have the perfect Ben Chilwell replacement in Aït-Nouri, at just 19-years of age, the French under-21 international can become a leading Premier League full-back for years to come. In an era where full-backs are hugely vital and influential to the attacking play of any elite side, Aït-Nouri possesses the qualities, panache and attacking drive to make it at the top-level.
He’s a proactive full-back and almost acts as a winger in the way in which he stands up to his opponent with the ball and beats them before getting to the byline and putting in an effective cross for his forwards, averaging 1.33 successful dribbles, with a dribble success rate of 46%. There’s no reason why he can develop into a winger in future. Aït-Nouri is also proactive in his defensive duels, averaging 1.7 tackles per game, 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 clearances and 5.83 successful pressures.
He’s a remarkably tall player for his tender age, so he uses his languid style to his strengths standing up to his marker and almost harrying them off the ball or sticking a feet out and instantly winning the ball back.
If both Manchester Clubs are reportedly interested in the defender’s services, then Leicester can do no wrong in putting their name in the hat. It’s unclear whether Angers will demand a high fee for Aït-Nouri, he is a valuable presence but a fee of £15-20 million may just be enough to force him away from his boyhood club. He could be worth every penny.
Jamal Lewis, Norwich
Norwich may have blocked his dream move to Liverpool, but there is a guarantee that Jamal Lewis will indeed be plying his trade in the Premier League again next season, and Leicester City should be at the front of the queue.
Ben Chilwell’s immediate future at the King Power is in doubt as a move to Chelsea reportedly edges closer, and Jamal Lewis represents yet another perfect replacement for the England international.
Like Emiliano Buendia, Todd Cantwell, Ben Godfrey and Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis is on to bigger and better things after his impressive showings in his first campaign in the English top-flight. His next move could have been to Anfield but for Norwich remaining stern on their fee of £20million pounds for his services which the Premier League champions didn’t want to part with.
Ben Chilwell will likely cost in the region of £60million-£70million if his move away does materialise so Leicester will have no problems investing in some of that money on a replacement. Jamal Lewis fits the profile perfectly.
He’s young, vibrant, great model-professional, technically proficient, a proactive and energetic left-back and offers a lot to the attacking play, although he didn’t register an assist all season, he’s still go a lot to learn and improve if he is to better and develop his game at a bigger outfit. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers could be just the tonic the Northern Irish international needs.
Sergio Reguillon, Sevilla
One of the best left-backs in Europe right now. Sevilla’s on-loan Real Madrid full-back Sergio Reguillon is a man in high demand because of his sparkling performances for former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui.
Chelsea, Everton and Napoli are all reportedly interested in acquiring his services this summer after Real Madrid made it know that they are willing to listen to offers for the former academy product. Leicester City should be amongst those list of clubs.
This is a full-back that has grown and developed beyond measure during his loan spell at Sevilla and it comes as a huge shock to find that his services are no longer required at the Santiago Bernabeu despite Marcelo’s influence on a steady decline. 3 goals and 4 assists from left-back are incredible numbers.
Reguillon has established himself as a vital component in Lopetegui’s impressively built Sevilla team, and it his influence, professionalism, desire and passion on the left that won Sevilla some vital points last season. His influence in attack isn’t the hallmark of his rapid development though, he’s remarkably improved in defence too:
1.60 tackles won. 2.25 interceptions. 3.65 successful pressures, 54.7% of his aerial duels won, 1.40 blocks and 3.19 clearances per 90 means Reguillon has slowly become one of the most complete full-backs in European football.
The way in which he operate shows his incredible influences in all phases of play, both defensively and in attack. Constantly up and down for 90 minutes, contributes wholly to Sevilla’s build-up play and his width on the left hand side allows them to stretch defences and cut them open when their opponents defend in deep blocks. He averages 3.49 crosses per 90 owing to his capabilities of supplying his forwards with his amazing left-foot.
After just one full taste of La Liga experience, its safe to say Reguillon is ready to take the next step already in his young career, even if that means transitioning to Premier League football. He’s got the character, personality and abilities to adapt to it and there’s no reason why Rodgers can’t replace Chilwell with arguably Europe’s most effective full-back right now.
Midfield
Defensive/Central Midfield
Josh DaSilva, Brentford
One of Brentford’s standout performers last campaign, as they embarked on a strong promotion push to the Barclays Premier League despite falling at the last hurdle to Fulham.
Josh Dasilva may not be as influential Ollie Watkins, Bryan Mbueno, or Said Benrahma, but its a disservice to him that his performances and abilities this season has somewhat gone under the radar because of those three.
The ex-Arsenal product won’t be complaining though, and can be take huge pride at his development and growth in an impressive Brentford team. 10 goals and 4 assist from midfield is a remarkable feat. But that’s not all, it isn’t his goal contributions that has propelled him, but all-round work in the middle. A silky, energetic and destructive midfielder.
Josh Dasilva is as elegant with the ball as he is brash without it, not afraid to put his body on the line to dominate his opponents or use his body to shield the ball and manoeuvre away from challenges. He’s averaged 1.5 key passes per game, and 1.4 dribbles. His tall, lean frame means he’s able to get across the midfield quickly and efficiently and also put himself about in order to over-power his markers. He’s also fantastic in possession too. Whenever, he receives a pass, he holds the awareness around him, the positional understanding and vision to move the ball about metronomically.
He keeps things ticking over, creates passing lanes, breaking opposition lines and always makes himself available in order to pick apart teams who sit deep. Dasilva’s abilities on and off the ball means he’s not just an effective, creative box-to-box midfielder, but also a steady and silky deep-lying playmaker. He may not be as destructive as Wilfried Ndidi, but his game could prove invaluable to Brendan Rodgers. A potential wildcard and a player who could make a telling contribution in the English top-flight.
Marcos Antonio, Shaktar Donetsk
Another potential wildcard for Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City, but Marcos Antonio potentially could be worth every risk and every penny. The Brazilian midfielder has established himself over the past year as one of the brightest young South American midfielders in Europe.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Antonio. From Club Athletico Paranaense in July to Shakhtar in February 2019, via Estoril. His 2018/19 season culminated in the Ukrainian Cup final, in which the he played the full 90 minutes as Shakhtar swept to a decisive 4-0 victory. He also claimed the first league title of his career, and it should be the first of many for a midfielder with such enormous potential.
It’s probably about time, more young Brazilian talents are given an opportunity in the Barclays Premier League, just ask the player below. Marcos Antonio is simply one of those that deserves the challenge, and Leicester City could be the perfect place for him to develop further.
Antônio is a small but spirited midfielder that commands play from the base of midfield. He is zippy and agile when changing directions, allowing him to be effective in tight spaces as he takes the ball forward. For a small player, he uses his body smartly when shielding opponents from the ball, while his sublime first touch aids him to create space for himself when receiving the ball in traffic.
He’s a silky midfielder but also combative when he wants to be, he uses his small frame to his advantage becoming a terrier-like ball-winner because of his swift footwork and ability to screen admirably and efficiently in front his defenders. However, all his work defensively doesn’t mean he’s just your typical defensive midfielder. Antonio also possesses tremendous ball-carrying abilities too. While he likes to take up possession at the base of midfield, he is potent when transitioning forward through crowded central areas. It also means he has total confidence in presenting for the ball at all times, knowing that no situation is too difficult for him to escape.
While another year at a powerful and decorated team such as Shakhtar may do his development some good, if a team from around Europe comes scouring for his signature then you won’t be surprised to see Antonio’s head turn, he’s worth his weight in gold. Leicester would be brave but smart to take a punt on his abilities. Marcos Antonio fits the bill.
Douglas Luiz, Aston Villa
Reports are fast emerging that Manchester City are looking to bring Douglas Luiz back to the Etihad, the place he started out in Europe after his move from Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama in 2017 and if that’s the case then Rodgers may have potentially missed the ideal steel he needs in midfield.
Arguably Aston Villa’s stand-out performer after the Premier League restart, leading his side to safety by the skin of their teeth. The Brazilian proved a key component in Dean Smith’s side through his dominant and impressive showings from the base of midfield. Luiz has split opinion so often this season, but that can arguably be put down to Aston Villa’s collective struggles rather than Luiz’ individual showings.
In actual fact, the defensive midfielder has been Dean Smith’s most consistent player for a while now, regularly shining while his teammates flattered to decieve. Douglas Luiz is a technically proficient midfielder, but also tenacious and combative when needed. A fantastic presence in possession, always making himself available to receive a pass whether in tight areas or in space to penetrate opposition lines and progress the ball.
He’s also brilliant in getting by his opponents with his silky feet and movement. He may be frustrating to watch when trying to take on one too many or attempting the audacious pass, but his bravery and willingness to assert his authority in games is particularly impressive. At times, his Villa teammates aren’t on the same wavelength so most of his bold attempts at a pass or a swift one-two more than likely doesn’t come off but in a much better side, you’d very much appreciate his fearlessness.
Douglas Luiz would be perfect for Leicester in that Rodgers always looks to progress play within his tactical setup, Luiz provides progressive football in abundance whether through his passing or dribbling. He completed 3.79 progressive passes and 3.93 passes into the final third last season highlighting his technical qualities and ability to break opposition lines. 3 goals and 2 assists last season from his defensive midfield only furthers his suitability for the top clubs in the Premier League.
Winger
Leicester City are in dire need of a reliable and creative winger, something they so often lacked throughout the closing weeks of the Premier League season. Harvey Barnes was their only success story in the wide areas from last season, why Demarai Gray, Marc Albrighton and Ayoze Perez didn’t get the necessary game time they desired, that maybe because of their own form or Rodgers doesn’t think they’re good enough to lead the side to the next level.
But, who can?
Said Benrahma, Brentford
Arguably the most decorated and exciting player currently playing in the Championship last season. It won’t be long before Saïd Benrahma is gracing the Barclays Premier League. His extraordinary talents are tailor-made for it.
Brentford may have missed out on Premier league promotion to Fulham. Though, its a certainty Benrahma will be gracing the English top-flight before too long. This is an extraordinary talent, one who’s technical qualities and silky skills is good enough to even be playing across any of the teams in the current top 4. Leicester City should be in front of the queue for Benrahma.
The Algerian was been central to Brentford’s promotion push, contributing to 26 of their goals in the Championship (17 goals, 9 assists) in 38 starts. Remarkable numbers for a player who continues to intrigue and set games alight even when there weren’t any fans. Of Brentford’s 17 goals since the restart, Benrahma had a hand in nine of them, scoring seven.
Lining up on the left of Brentford’s 4-3-3 shape, Benrahma is their sole creative force, blessed with such unerring tricks, dribbling qualities, vision, imagination and a confidence that few players in the division can match.
Once he comes inside off the left, something spectacular is about to happen and that’s the kind of pedigree Rodgers needs to take this team forward. James Maddison was sorely missed towards the end of last season, and how they could have used such an exciting creative force like Benrahma to strengthen their position in the Champions League places.
Benrahma certainly has what it takes to cut it at the top level. His counterpart Riyad Mahrez is currently tearing it up at City. The Brentford star holds all the characteristics and ability to match the heights of his fellow Algerian. Leicester should seriously consider going putting all their eggs in the Benrahma basket. He may just be worth it.
David Brooks, Bournemouth
An ideal signing for Brendan Rodgers if this move is to materialise this summer.
Welsh international only just returned from a long-term injury to feature prominently for Bournemouth since the restart, and already showed why the club have sorely missed him over the past 18 months.
Brooks is an exciting young forward and incredible versatile too. The Welshman can perform roles on the left, the right and at no.10 due to his trickery, pace, technical acumen and bravery. He is simply too good to be playing Championship football next season, and Leicester City should be the club to rescue him from the second division. He’s young, vibrant, hard-working, and also a model professional and looks the perfect player for Rodgers to mould and help develop.
The 23-year-old holds such remarkable potential and needs a club to help him discover it. Leicester City fit the bill perfectly.
Bournemouth have flattered to deceive last season. Their poor defensive showings have often been bailed out by their exciting attacking play throughout their time in the Premier League, a regular trend that has been the hallmark of Eddie Howe’s side since they gained promotion in 2015. That wasn’t been the case last season, due to Brook’s injury and loss of form to key players.
The 2018/19 campaign saw his astonishing breakthrough in the English top-flight, scoring 7 goals and 5 assists in 30 outings. These are numbers that prove Brooks has what it takes to make it at the top level. Leicester City currently lack a progressive ball carrier on the flanks, and Brooks would provide the perfect low-risk solution to their creative issues both on the flanks and in the middle, potentially killing two birds with one stone.
Viktor Tsygankov, Dynamo Kiev
Very few players from Eastern Europe has or can excite fans like Viktor Tsygankov, that’s why he is arguably one of the most coveted players to emerge from that side of the continent.
An incredibly agile, skilful and technically gifted winger, Tsygankov has quickly demanded the attention and respect of his peers through his showstopping abilities and eye-catching match winning performances. The old saying of letting your feet and performances on the pitch do the talking can be applied to the Ukrainian wonderkid.
He is a player who leads by example, and there can be no complaints if a player as young as he is can captain a club as prestigious as Dynamo Kyiv. The archetypal leader is an abrasive, all-action, vocal, pitbull-like character, marshalling the team from the centre of the pitch.
Tsygankov – a right-winger – does not need to play up to those typical conventions. Instead, his skill and footballing gift commands the respect of his peers, regardless of seniority. The Ukrainian already holds the capabilities to cut it at the top level, he’s risk and reward type winger, and that’s a trait Leicester could do with right now, and its also about time Tsygankov challenges himself at a much higher level.
Dwight McNeil, Burnley
One of the brightest young wingers in the Premier League. Former Manchester United academy product Dwight McNeil has come on leaps and bounds over the past year, establishing himself as a vital cog in Sean Dyche’s well-oiled Burnley machine.
Lining up the left-hand side of Burnley’s rigid 4-4-2 setup, Dwight McNeil is tasked with becoming Dyche’s main creative hub through his wand of a left foot, crossing for the big men up front or drifting inside to instigate attacks. The England under-21 international has further enhanced his game over the past year, and its no wonder why he’s so highly coveted currently and is already attracting a lot of interest from Premier league clubs, including Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus.
Leicester City need to get in the act for his signature. It’s clear Rodgers needs creativity from the wide areas with Harvey Barnes arguably the only player providing the spark and cutting edge throughout the campaign. Dwight McNeil may not be the quickest, but his deliveries and vision are unmatched, always placing the ball in areas where defenders struggle to deal with.
2 goals and 6 assist may represent average goal output for McNeil’s qualities, but its important to consider that Burnley aren’t the most fluid when scoring goals, it all comes a premium. In fact, McNeil offers so much more than his goal output, in his positioning, defensive output and his keeping the width in order to stretch the play.
He’s an orthodox winger, but also many have considered that the 20-year-old may prove an invaluable option at left-back owing to the space at which he needs to operate in order to become more effective in his chance creation. Whether he lines up in such a position at the King Power is unknown, but joining the club may well prove the perfect step-up for the player, and also provide him with the experience of European football, testing himself against some of Europe’s elite players.
James Maddison Alternative?
Leicester City sorely missed James Maddison towards the end of last season, and their pursuit of Champions League football suffered as a result. Their last two games of the season, against Tottenham and Manchester United, showed their lack of creativity, lack of invention when they needed it most. Youri Tielemans proved a stable bet, though it was clear he needed help, someone who he could link with in James Maddison’s absence.
Brendan Rodgers will certainly be aiming to address that need this summer, especially with Europa League football on the horizon, which means more quality options are required. Leicester City can ill-afford to rely on Maddison alone.
So who can Rodgers look to, in order to provide the extra creative quality they need.
Emiliano Buendia, Norwich
Norwich may have been relegated from the Premier League, but Daniel Farke’s side went down really exciting fans across the top-flight with their fluid and unique style of football. It may have been naive at times, but it sure drew fans to some of their bright young attacking talents, most specifically Emiliano Buendia.
The Argentine midfielder is a thrilling creative force, and would represent a fantastic addition for any top six side in the Premier League. 7 assists in his first taste of English football is something to be proud of, and he can take heart in the fact that he can certainly cut it amongst the best.
Not only is Buendia a stylish and unique midfielder around the final third but he is also a bulldog and terrier-like when trying to win possession back for his team, a trait Rodgers could hold dear within his system. Per90, he averages 7.67 successful pressures, ranking 97th in the percentile rank. He also averages an impressive 2.3 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game, highlighting his desire and enthusiasm when pressing from the front.
Most chances created in the Premier League 2019/20:
🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne (136) 🏴 Jack Grealish (91) 🏴 Trent Alexander-Arnold (87) 🇦🇷 Emi Buendía (83) 🏴 James Maddison (79) pic.twitter.com/iTqYi6A00v
Buendia even created more chances than James Maddison last season, even when lining up on the right hand side of the attack. The Argentine’s freedom to roam inside in and find pockets of space to create opportunities was a useful and vital tool for Norwich City and Rodgers can benefit from Buendia too.
Buendia is an excellent reader of the game, but also a graceful creative aspect when threading the eye of the needle pass. He constantly picks out the right positions in between the opponent’s midfield and defence in order to connect with the forwards and pick apart organised defences which some lovely through balls, which is further shown through his 2.3 key passes per game.
His excellent on-the-ball qualities, technical acumen and quickness of feet means he’s incredibly competent in operating in the tight areas of the attacking third. This is what Leicester City need, Buendia offers something much different to Maddison in that he can add more cutting edge and tenacity off the ball when tasked with pressuring high up the pitch. Buendia will provide Rodgers with much needed variety in the creative department.
Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig
One of the most underrated attacking midfielders in Europe, let alone the Bundesliga. Marcel Sabitzer has proven time and time again since his arrival 6 years ago that he deserves much more acclaim and recognition. The interest he is receiving right now may just be the start of him going on to become the player he’s always been primed to be.
He’s been a vital stalwart of the RB Leipzig emergence over the past few years, the underappreciated face of the club, and maybe now is the time for him to seek pastures new. The question is, whether he will sacrifice Champions League football next season, for Europa League football with Tottenham Hotspur also expressing an interest in his services. Though, you wouldn’t put it past Sabitzer to seek a new challenge wherever it may be.
16 goals and 7 assists in all competitions throughout the 2019/20 campaign, Sabitzer has once again carried on his sparkling form under the radar. He’s a fantastic versatile midfielder, sometimes lining up on the right of midfield, or as a traditional central midfielder or in his usual role as no.10. Wherever Sabitzer plays, he’ll put in 100%. He’s a reliable creative presence, always fashioning chances for his teammates, averaging 3.36 shot creating actions, 2.04 passes into the box, 4.14 passes into final third per 90 minutes.
Marcel Sabitzer has been directly involved in 7 Champions League goals this season [4⚽️ 3🅰️], more than any other RB Leipzig player.
Sabitzer is also metronomic in RB Leipzig’s build-up play, always making himself available to receive a pass in dangerous areas and will always look forward whether driving with the ball or attempting the audacious through ball. He’s astonishingly averaged 7.37 progressive passes per 90 in the Bundesliga this season. With Vardy in front of him, he can perform those risky through balls at will. Marcel Sabitzer could be the perfect tonic to lead Leicester forward. He’s got European experience, understanding and pedigree too.
Long-term replacement for Jamie Vardy?
Leicester’s main man Jamie Vardy really isn’t getting any younger and probably still has probably one more season to offer what he regularly has been ever since Leicester City’s title win in 2015.
So Rodgers will also need to plan for that accordingly, maybe not with this summer in mind but certainly in the near future:
Odsonne Edouard, Celtic
One of the finest strikers in the whole of Britain, if not Europe. The man who aided Brendan Rodgers in winning the Scottish domestic treble in 2018. If you need any evidence of his extraordinary exploits, then check his 2019/20 goalscoring feats.
Odsonne Edouard is an elegant, multi-functional player. The Frenchman oozes confidence, and quality when he steps on the pitch. Up-front maybe his natural position, but his contributions and influence in attack run deeper than that.
As well as his 22 Scottish Premier League goals, he also registered 7 assists last season as well as a hat-trick in the first game of the SPL 2020/21 season against Hamilton Academical showcasing his creative spark and abilities in the final third.
As well as a natural goalscorer, he can also act as the team’s main creative force from the front in order to create space and opportunities for his teammates. He loves to drop into the half-space to exchange passes before moving into spaces vacated by the defence. While its so effective and complimentary of Celtic’s attacking play, it is also bamboozling for opposing defenders, they are often left confused as to who to pick up.
He is rarely exuberant all the showboating type with it, but he exhibits an effective use of his control in tight spaces and a technique which few players in the Scottish division can match. It’s abilities such as this, and his fantastic movement, link-up play that makes him such a dangerous commodity within the final third.
Edouard represents the perfect and ideal choice to replace Vardy in the long haul, he’s spent nearly three good years in Scotland and its about time he finally makes the move to the English top-flight to further his development. Playing under Brendan Rodgers again may just be an opportunity he won’t dare pass up. However, the French under-21 superstar won’t come cheap.
Myron Boadu, AZ Alkmaar
Another perfect potential replacement for Jamie Vardy, and one of the finest young strikers in European football right now.
20 goals and 8 assists in what’s been a remarkable breakthrough season for the Dutch forward. Now Boadu has a major decision regards to his future at such a promising club. Does he stick or twist?
The Dutch international is an incredibly agile, silky and pacey forward, capable of playing on the shoulder of the last defender latching onto through balls and finishing off the move witch such a clinical and ruthless edge. He’s a striker with such great movement, making him a danger against higher defensive lines and also in attacking transitions, an area where Jamie Vardy has become an expert in. Myron Boadu is of a similar breed.
With Calvin Stengs and Oussama Idrissi remarkably gifted in creating chances and opportunities, Boadu’s movement and non-stop running makes their jobs much easier. They are able to pick him with such ease, whether in behind the defence or to his feet in tight-spaces.
He’s only 19 years of age, so installing him as a back-up striker to Jamie Vardy will make so much sense, where he could learn off one of England’s most renowned strikers to aid his development.
Marcus Thuram, Borussia Mochengladbach
It’s a huge surprise that Gladbach forward Marcus Thuram hasn’t been heavily linked with any of Europe’s top clubs so far this summer. In what was arguably his most fruitful season last campaign, you would thought most European clubs will be battling it out for his signature right now.
Though, that is Gladbach’s gain as they will surely need him next season especially as they embark on their first Champions League run under the impressive Marco Rose. Marcus Thuram will be central to their ambitions next season as they aim to cause a stir amongst Europe’s elite in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
It wouldn’t hurt for Leicester City to have a look at him for future though. The 23-year-old striker notched 14 goals and eight assist in all competitions during the 2019/20 campaign. It’s important to note that last year was first full experience of the Bundesliga, and he’s taken to it very well showing such remarkable growth and development in a little over a year. Thuram is a versatile forward, also capable of fulfilling roles both at right-wing and left-wing.
He’s featured everywhere across the front-line for Gladbach last season, because of fantastic influence in the final third, his strength, movement, pace and power and also his incredible knack of arriving in the right areas to hurt the opposition.
Thuram’s eight assists in the Bundesliga pits him amongst the best creators in the competition. He’s all-round forward, very adept at winning balls in the air, capable of holding up the ball or running down the line to keep possession of the ball when needed. He would be a fantastic addition to any elite side in the Barclays Premier League, so why not Leicester City?
There’s always something special brewing out of the Olympique Lyon academy. Over the past 5-10 years, we’ve seen such decorated footballers emerge from a decorated and exciting youth system.
Alexandre Lacazette, Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy, Maxime Gonalons, Anthony Lopes, Nabil Fekir, Samuel Umtiti, Karim Benzema, Tanguy Ndombele, Houssem Aouar, Lucas Tousart and Corentin Tolisso are just a few dots on such a prestigious and hugely talented long list.
Europe’s elite league are littered with players who have spent their early years growing up in the Lyon academy, and the French outfit are still continuing to produce footballers who could go on to become European stars in the making.
Another young decorated prospect ready to make his mark amongst the elite is 20-year-old midfielder Maxence Caqueret.
His performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de la Ligue final, which saw Lyon lose on penalties, provided such an impressive example of his all-round abilities, versatility and unique tactical understanding.
So here’s a brief overview and analysis of this prestigious 20-year old midfielder:
Who is Maxence Caqueret?
Born in the commune of Vénissieux just outside of Lyon’s centre, Caqueret is, a affirmed by club president Jean-Michel Aulas, a “real Gone.” The midfielder joined Lyon’s academy at the age of 11 and was quickly identified by both and his country as a unique promising talent.
For five years, the midfield prodigy has made over 50 appearances for France’s youth sides, starting with the Under-16s before working his way up, level by level, to the Under-19s.
He made his first team debut for Lyon in January 2019, featuring in a 2-0 win away to Bourges 18 in the Coupe de France. He started the match before being replaced by fellow academy product Houssem Aouar 20 minutes from the end. His maiden Ligue 1 appearances came in November against Strasbourg, also providing an assist for Maxwel Cornet in a 2-1 win. His first goal for the club came in the Coupe de France against Football Bourg-en-Bresse Peronnas 01.
Caqueret’s impressive showing against Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the competition was a major highlight and a telling reminder of the kind of impact and influence he will have as he aims to stake a place for a regular berth in such a talented Lyon squad.
How good is Maxence Caqueret?
Two particular strengths that have emerged in Caqueret’s impressive weaponry – his ability to tirelessly work for the team and his unique aptitude as a leader at such a tender age – have been on show through his development for both club and country.
Youth coach and Lyon legend Armand Garrido, who during his 30 years with the club helped develop the likes of Samuel Umtiti, and Alexandre Lacazette, once described Caqueret as a “machine” because of his tireless effort and energy off the ball. He wins the ball back swiftly, launches attacks, sets up goals and can even score them too.
While Lyon’s players are often referred to as Gones – essentially the “kids of Lyon” – Caqueret’s mental capacity, toughness and determination are anything but infantile. His performances on the pitch truly go beyond his years.
While Caqueret regularly puts in such a tremendous work ethic and high intensity – owing to his incredible fitness and desire – he isn’t just your archetypal workhorse. The 20-year-old is a meticulous ball-player, using his fantastic short frame, strength and wonderful ball control to get by his opponents, knock the ball off them or drive with the ball to progress the play.
He’s an inventive player who displays such excellent movement across the park and one whose awareness and vision means has always holds a picture in his head of what he’s about to do.
Maxence Caqueret is something of a swiss-army knife in that he can play such a variety of roles within Lyon’s fluid system. A well-rounded player who is able to fulfil roles as a No.6, No.8 or even as your typical creative No.10.
He’s not the biggest of players, but that isn’t really a weakness, he’s the sort of player in the mould of the legendary Spanish midfielder Iniesta whose inventiveness, panache and creative abilities proved the hallmark of his game. Caqueret holds such similar characteristics in that he oozes such unique authority when he’s in possession of the ball, once he receives it, he looks up and knows when to use it.
Though sometimes, there is the occasional sloppy pass, loss of concentration, and failure to track opposition runners through midfield, such his responsibilities when playing at No.8 or No.6. However, he’s still on 20-years of age and with the right coaching and conditions to improve, Caqueret will almost certainly iron out these deficiencies in his game.
The radar above, from Football Slices, shows Caqueret’s impressive combination of his hard-work defensively, and his ability to drive his team forward in attack. His 13.90 successful pressures per 90 is something spectacular and a further representation as to the kind of energy and tenacity Caqueret possesses. He leads the team in pressures per 90, in both the attacking third (7.62) and the middle third (20), with only Jean Lucas applying more in the defensive third.
Caqueret averages the most middle third pressures out of anyone in the entire French Ligue 1 with only over 500 minutes under his belt.
He never gives opponents a moments rest and is always looking to snatch the ball of them and progress the play, with 4.60 final third passes per 90, 53.7 passes completed and a pass success rate of 86.7%. Caqueret can execute a wide range of passes from ranging cross-field switches, to pinpoint short through balls to dissect opposition lines and low blocks.
Maxence Caqueret is an eventful player, his effectiveness in and out of possession means he is a player who is always involved in the play. Only Jean Lucas and Fernando Marcal hold more touches in the middle third than his 48.4 per 90. He is a player with such incredible bravery, even if it leads to an occasional mistake. He’s not afraid to get himself about, and make a telling contribution. Few players his age in European football, holds such a willingness and drive to impress.
As a teenager, he regularly wore the captain’s armband throughout the age groups — another indication of his strong mentality and ability to drive a team on through his actions, words, and application on the pitch.
The 20-year-old’s performance in the Champions League quarter-final victory Manchester City may not have been his most elegant but it was indeed another assured, measured and disciplined showing highlighting his extraordinary versatility and mentality when needed.
Another phenomenal performance from Maxence Caqueret. Slick in possession, aggressive in pressing the opponent as soon as he receives possession and winning the ball back, and capable of driving the ball forward. Did very well to intercept possession and set up Dembélé’s goal.
Maxence Caqueret is yet another Lyon academy product with such an incredible future in front of him. Although his immediate future lies in Lyon, it won’t be a surprise to see the club develop him rapidly for the next few years and sell him for a hefty transfer fee when the time comes to it.
Maxence Caqueret proved tonight that he is not leaving this starting XI anytime soon & he is set for a complete & utter breakout campaign in 2020/21. https://t.co/kyV1OrBVAw
Caqueret already holds the makings of a complete midfielder, capable of fulfilling all roles within the midfield because of his technical brilliance, energy, tenacity, character and willingness to improve. He must make the most of his time at Lyon, as the club are renowned for their excellent youth development and coaching conditions to allow players like him to thrive.
It won’t be long before we see Maxence Caqueret’s name on everyone’s lips.
The 2019/20 Premier League campaign was largely one to forget for Tottenham Hotspur. One which was made even more laughable by Jose Mourinho’s celebrations after a draw to Crystal Palace on the last day of the Premier League which saw them confirm their place in the Europa League for next season.
The past year has seen a lot of changes in the Tottenham camp, most notably the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino in November, and the sale of a key figure in Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan in the January window.
While Jose Mourinho has brought some steadiness and stability to a sinking ship, there is still a lot of work to be done in order for the former self proclaimed ‘Special One’ to transform Spurs into a stable top 4 side, let alone Premier League title contenders.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager will be looking to delve into the transfer market this summer and build his side into his image, despite the huge implications and effect of the coronavirus on club finances.
The club have completed the signing of Southampton midfielder, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, solving their need for a destructive defensive midfielder, and potentially replacing Tanguy Ndombele who is reportedly in talks with Inter Milan according to various sources after only a year spent at the club.
Could Tanguy Ndombele be on his way out of Tottenham this summer?
So what do Tottenham need? Well, first and foremost, the club have suffered in the creative and goalscoring department this season with this being their lowest goalscoring campaign in almost five years with only 61 goals scored. They’ve also suffered in the creative areas too, with injuries to Dele Alli and the departure of Eriksen, Mourinho will need a playmaker he can rely on, he’ll also need a back-up striker for Harry Kane.
In addition, the departures of Jan Vertonghen, and Kyle Walker-Peters who is joining Southampton leave two spaces that need to be filled in defence, at right-back and a left-sided centre-back. Serge Aurier’s immediate future is in doubt too, with AC Milan reportedly interested in his services, so right-back will be almost be a priority position for Mourinho.
So without further a do.. Here’s some potential options to address such areas of need:
Defence
Right-Back
Max Aarons, Norwich City
If Tottenham allow Max Aarons to slip under the radar and join Bayern Munich this summer, as reported then the club will have made a massive mistake. Tottenham’s loss will indeed be Bayern Munich’s gain if Aarons joins the Bundesliga champions.
Jose Mourinho desperately needs a right-back. As stated previously, Serge Aurier’s future at the club is in doubt with AC Milan registering an interest in the Ivorian and Kyle Walker-Peters who spent the last seven months on loan at Southampton is on the verge of completing a permanent move to St Mary’s.
An approach for one of Norwich City’s star prospects makes a lot of sense with a reported fee around £20m enough to secure his services. Certainly, Norwich went down with a whimper but they can still take a few positives in terms of their young stars and Max Aarons is on that list.
A player who loves to dribble, beat opponents, link up with his more forward thinking players and deliver delicious crosses into the opposition penalty area. Aarons could represent an exciting acquisition for Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur and a chance to further their reputation of developing and nurturing young English talents. Aarons could also have the luxury of learning from one of Europe’s most decorated defensive coaches in Mourinho, an opportunity he should certainly consider. Is he ready for such a step-up at Bayern Munich? That’s debatable.
Aarons has already had a year of Premier League experience under his belt, so Tottenham should be the club to prolong his time in English top-flight. It’s a deal that could be perfect for both parties.
Serginho Dest, Ajax
Another young talented full-back on Bayern Munich’s radar, and one Tottenham should be keeping a close eye on this summer.
USA international Sergino Dest has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted young stars in his first season at Ajax, and has already established himself as a first team regular for the Dutch giants much to the amazement of the Ajax fans and coaches.
Sergino Dest is a wonderfully gifted right-back, harnessing the qualities to be very effective both in the attacking and defensive departments, but most of his work occurs when he is tasked with fulfilling duties as a maruading attacking right back. His speed, acceleration, dribbling, tenacity and silky footwork mixed with his crossing proves he’s already one of the most complete attacking full-backs.
4 assists for Ajax this season, a small indication as to his qualities when joining up with the attack. Dest is hugely energetic, he may suffer from a lapse in concentration or become susceptible on the counter when he’s so high on the pitch but his energy and speed means he’s more than likely to catch up to his opponent and halt the attack.
He averaged around 1.9 tackles per 90 last season, showcasing his effectiveness in defensive duels. His mistakes may not be a result of him staying so high up the pitch, but his teammates behind not providing him the adequate cover. Though, it is something he will need to work on for future, and like Aarons, he could improve remarkably in his defensive game being tutored by Jose Mourinho.
Moreover, Dest is a young, fresh, exciting talent meaning Tottenham will be heavily investing in the future and signing the American would be worth any outlay. A leading full-back for many years to come.
Mehmet Zeki Çelik, Lille
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are willing to sell the likes of Serge Aurier and Juan Foyth to fund a move for Lille right-back Mehmet Zeki Çelik.
The Turkey international who has featured 14 times for his country has emerged as one of Jose Mourinho’s top targets for the right-back position much to the amusement of some Spurs fans who have never heard of the full-back.
Çelik was a regular feature for Lille and a standout performer from right-back. He’s a towering presence and a tenaciousness player with and without the ball, but the hallmark of his game derives his distribution. He’s very good on the ball, when the team is trying to keep possession but also he’s very adept and locating forward runners with his long-passes.
Çelik averaged 2.7 long balls in Ligue 1 last season and also averaged 3.48 final third passes along with contributing two assists. What’s also impressive about the 23-year-old’s game is his proactive defending. He’s regularly step out of his defensive line to press his opponents and stop them from drawing forward towards the defensive line.
5.10 successful pressures per 90 highlights this, but also his defensive numbers back it up with 1.52 tackles won per 90, 1.17 interceptions plus he’s only been dribbled past 38.6% of the time, a stat that ranks him at 31st in the whole division. Very impressive. No wonder why he’s emerged as a top target for Mourinho. Aurier on so many occasions this season has lacked the defensive nous, warrior-like characteristics and tenaciousness to be a dominant presence from his position.
Mehmet Zeki Çelik could be the perfect replacement if any move was to materialise.
Left-sided Centre-Back
Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona
The forgotten man at Barcelona. The forgotten man in European football. Before Samuel Umtiti made his move to Barcelona, he emerged as one of the brightest centre-back talents in world football, but things haven’t happened for him since then. Suffering some recurring injuries and constantly losing his place in the team.
Now reports are surfacing that Barcelona would be willing to let him leave as they are looking to recoup some funds due to their financial constraints because of the coronavirus pandemic.
If that is the case, Jose Mourinho should be jumping at the chance to sign the French world cup winner. He’s still only 26 years of age and still has a lot to offer on the world stage. Samuel Umtiti still holds a lot of value and pedigree and could be just the tonic for Mourinho to take Tottenham’s game up a notch.
We already know Umtiti’s attributes, he’s incredibly quick, agile, strong and a fantastic reader of the game. Also, the Lyon academy product is very strong 1v1 duels too. Umtiti’s qualities are tailor made for the Premier League and it is about time he tests himself in the English top-flight. He needs a new lease of life, and Jose Mourinho could hand him that opportunity.
Evan N’Dicka, Eintracht Frankfurt
Evan N’Dicka may be a relative unknown, but in fact he’s emerged as one of the brightest young defenders in the Bundesliga because of his fantastic performances for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The French international has some excellent physical attributes, which is complemented in his performances so far this season which has come to the notice of some top clubs notably from Germany, Spain and England.
N’Dicka, a 20-year-old, French youth international, has proven a versatile component for Frankfurt this season, lining up as left-back and a left-sided centre-back in a back three. Mourinho could find that versatility key in his Tottenham team and also the departure of Jan Vertonghen has left the club in needed of an astute, assured and dominant left-sided centre-back.
Evan N’Dicka seamlessly fits the bill and his willingness to learn and improve could prove an invaluable characteristic as Mourinho aims to build a fresh, hungry and cohesive unit.
Standing at 6ft 4in, N’Dicka holds the physical attributes to have an upper-hand aerially harmonized with his ball playing abilities capable of breaking attacks and starting transitions. His pace, bravery and natural fitness means he could be a perfect fit in the Premier League.
Ndicka is good with the ball at his feet, which makes him assured in possession, averaging 43.1 passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga and completing 81 per cent of his total passes. His towering presence and languid build means he’s aerially dominant winning 59.5% of his aerial duels and is also consummate in his ground duels winning 1.10 tackles per 90 and 1.62 interceptions.
Attacking Midfield
Tottenham are in need of a reliable and an effective attacking midfielder. While there is much to come from Dele Alli next season, it wouldn’t hurt for Mourinho to scour around Europe for more quality options, that’s what Spurs have missed for all of about three years. Quality options.
Erik Lamela has flattered to decieve at times, and it is unclear whether Mourinho will rely on him next season.
So here goes:
Joaquin Correa, Lazio
Joaquin Correa is a ‘killing two birds with one stone’ type player because of his ability to play both as a false-9 type striker or at no.10 and his incredible numbers last season for Lazio highlights his versatility in the final third.
He may not be one of the first names on the team-sheet for Simone Inzaghi’s men, but when the Argentinian is involved, he’s more than capable of setting the whole stadium alight.
10 goals, and 3 assists this season 33 Serie A and Europa League outings represent decent returns for a player not considered first choice. Though, his qualities stretch beyond that. He’s a creative machine, a player who oozes such class and quality when in full flow. He’s also a dribbling merchant, known for a strong penchant to beat his man and create something out of nothing either via a wonderful eye of the needle pass or a spectacular run and goal.
7.35 touches in the box per 90, 1.48 passes into the box, 4.95 shot creating actions, 2.68 dribbles per 90 with a 64% dribble success rate. Correa could add much needed dynamism and flamboyance to Tottenham’s attack and also more importantly, goals, seeing as the last campaign was their lowest scoring total for five years. It’s unlikely Lazio will demand a high fee for the player seeing as he isn’t even seen as a first team regular but his importance cannot go unnoticed. Mourinho could well do with a forward like Joaquin Correa.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma
One of Europe’s most decorated attacking midfielders after last season. Roma’s Italian maestro Lorenzo Pellegrini continues to flourish at the Stadio Olympico, even if is relatively unnoticed.
He is one of the best, if not the best in his position in Serie A and his attacking flair, creativity and technical brilliance deserves much more praise than he is receiving right now. Pellegrini’s talents would not be amiss in the Barclays Premier League, and Tottenham can well do with a player like him. The Italian is reliable, a leader, a fighter and an incredibly consistent performer. Mourinho is a huge admirer of these type of footballers, and the 24-year-old can learn a lot under the Portuguese coach.
Traditionally an attacking midfielder, Lorenzo Pellegrini holds all the tools necessary to play anywhere across the midfield. As a deep-lying no.6, a roaming no. 8 and a play-making, creative no.10. The stats provided above highlights his spectacular nous and quality within the final third. Pellegrini’s vision, speed of though, positional understanding, passing abilities allows him to almost single-handedly create Roma’s chances.
While teams in the current age, have their main creative hubs in the deep-lying positions in front of the defence, Roma’s orchestrator is Lorenzo Pellegrini at no.10. As well as possessing the qualities to perform in a traditional no.10 role, he’s a more unorthodox attacking midfielder, regularly drifting into the wide areas or half-spaces. It keeps defensive midfielders and the back-line guessing, also causing a state of disruption and panic in their defensive shape.
So often last season, Tottenham’s midfield last season lacked the incision, the inventiveness to break down low blocks and also attack with such verve and confidence. Lorenzo Pellegrini provides the telling solution to all those deficiencies and is a player who could also have such a stark influence on the whole squad like Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United.
David Broooks, Bournemouth
A potential low-risk, low-fee option, but also a quality one too if Tottenham were to turn to a wildcard. Bournemouth’s David Brooks, in all honesty, is too good for Championship football and deserves another shot at the English top-flight, and there may be no better place to continue his development than at Tottenham Hotspur.
The past year has been a difficult one for him, and his absence was sorely missed at Bournemouth, so much so that much of their attacking play which made them an exciting team to watch waned. Brooks needs to get back to the sort of form that propelled him to one of the Premier League brightest attacking prospects during the 2018/19 campaign, where he scored 7 goals and contributed 5 assists. His post-lockdown return was an impressive one, as Bournemouth’s attacking play improved vastly because of his contributions.
His versatility is impressive too, capable of performing in each of the three roles behind the sole striker in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Tottenham could do with that variety in their play and also Brooks could represent a fantastic option from the bench or against the so called “smaller teams” in the division.
The Welsh international is quick, silky, technically brilliant and a model professional, one who is willing to learn. Those are the type of players Mourinho loves, and Brooks could potentially become a much more potent and dangerous prospect under Mourinho’s tutelage.
Back-up Striker
Tottenham have needed a back-up striker to Harry Kane for some time now, and although Fernando Llorente proved somewhat an unwarranted success during Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final in 2019, there was still the lingering feeling that his long-term future would not continue at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Mourinho requires a long-term solution, and with Harry Kane’s seasonal injury issues, the club can do no wrong in recruiting a forward capable of filling in an providing the goals Tottenham need to challenge once again.
So, who could they look to?
Callum Wilson, Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson has arguably been one of the Premier League’s standout strikers outside the top 6 for the past 3-4 years. 36 league goals in 4 years for a team that’s not expected to finish in the top-half each season is impressive. His standout season in the 2018/19 campaign, where he notched 14 goals in 30 appearances highlights his qualities in and around the penalty area and a stark reminder that Callum Wilson certainly has the ingredients to cut it at a much bigger Premier League outfit.
Tottenham, arguably could be the perfect fit for him. He’ll be plying his trade with much better and more quality players which will of course improve his goal return and also he’ll be getting a taste of European football as Tottenham qualified for the competition for next season. Wilson is indeed also too good to be playing Championship football next season, and another year in the English top-flight will do him the world of good. He’s 28 and entering his prime years, Mourinho could do well to get the maximum out of him for the foreseeable future.
Arkadiusz Milik, Napoli
Arkadiusz Milik represents a vastly quality second option to Harry Kane. However, the problem with this deal is that the Polish forward is already a back-up option to Dries Mertens at Napoli and with the arrival of Victor Osimhen this summer, his future in Naples is looking quite bleak. Will he again move to London and yet again feature only as a second choice striker? Juventus are also reportedly on the hunt for the 26-year-old, so if Tottenham were to pursue a deal, they would need to act fast.
Despite his limited opportunities, Milik has still featured in 26 Serie A games this season, scoring 11 goals, a decent return for the forward. He’s scored 0.58 non penalty goals last season and is a very reliable frontman who knows where the goal is and also offers the team much more than his goalscoring exploits. His tall physique means he can hold-up the ball well, link brilliantly with his fellow forwards and holds the required strength to become a nuisance, challenging even the most capable centre-backs. The perfect characteristics for a standard Premier League forward.
Myron Boadu, AZ Alkmaar
This may well be an unrealistic target for Jose Mourinho and Tottenham. But it’s a target that may require serious consideration. AZ Alkmaar’s Dutch striker Myron Boadu has quickly emerged as one of the brightest no.9’s in the whole of Europe.
20 goals and 8 assists in what’s been a remarkable breakthrough season for the Dutch forward, now Boadu has a major decision regards to his future at such a promising club. Does he stick or twist?
Tottenham need more incision and lightning in their attacking football for next season and Boadu could be apart of the solution. The Dutch international is an incredibly agile, silky and pacey forward, capable of playing on the shoulder of the last defender latching onto through balls and finishing off the move witch such a clinical and ruthless edge.
He’s a striker with such great movement, making him a danger against higher defensive lines and also in attacking transitions such as the counter-attack. With Calvin Stengs and Oussama Idrissi remarkably gifted in creating chances and opportunities, Boadu’s movement and non-stop running makes their jobs much easier. They are able to pick him with such ease, whether in behind the defence or to his feet in tight-spaces.
He’s only 19 years of age, so installing him as a back-up striker to Harry Kane will make so much sense, where he could learn off one of the world’s most renowned strikers to aid his development. However, it is uncertain whether Boadu will leave AZ after their successful Eredivisie season, despite its curtailment due to the coronavirus, he may feel has some unfinished business in Holland.
Nonetheless, Boadu represents a stellar back-up option for Mourinho if he is to pursue it.
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