It was beautiful passage of play as Arsenal carved open Bournemouth’s midfield and back-line for their opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth to secure their place in the 5th round of the FA Cup.

Bukayo Saka’s third goal for the club in what was his first taste of the FA Cup was a true measurement of the kind of progress Arsenal are embarking on under Mikel Arteta since his appointment last month. The pace and precision in which Arsenal took their opportunity – involving three of their young stars – was a sign that the future of Arsenal football club is in good hands.

A crisp and intricate 22-pass move finished with Joe Willock effortlessly spinning away from his marker following a Nicolas Pepe pass, he drove towards the Bournemouth back-line before playing in Martinelli on the left, the Brazillian then swiftly picked out Saka’s run on the outside, who took one touch and belted one in off the underside of the bar. It was a goal of pitch perfect quality, highlighting the style Mikel Arteta has already implemented at the Emirates.

Without the experience heads of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, and Mesut Ozil, Arsenal’s youngsters more than held their own as they totally dominated Eddie Howe’s side putting the game beyond their reach. Arsenal’s second was of reverent quality too. Joe Willock picked out Saka on the left with a lovely pass, the winger come left-back then drove at Adam Smith before expertly picking out Eddie Nketiah to notch his first goal for Arsenal since May.

At the heart of Arsenal’s play was 20-year-old Joe Willock who proved to Mikel Arteta that he has what it takes to potentially dethrone Mesut Ozil of the No.10 spot. An energetic performance showcasing his abilities to disrupt defences with his swift movement and deft pieces of skill on the ball.

Against Bournemouth, Willock proved he certainly has what it takes to become a key figure for Arsenal. Though, the young midfielder must learn to keep a level of consistency in his performances. Under the tutelage and fresh impetus of Arteta, Willock will have no problems improving his game.

Another young talent truly enjoying a remarkable rise in a position he is unaccustomed to is Bukayo Saka. Arsenal have suffered at left-back with Saed Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney occupying the treatment table, but Saka has never shied away from his responsibilities in the role. Sure, the player does have a lot to learn. His lack of positional play and reading of the game has been exploited on occasions, but in attack his contributions have been stark. A goal and an assist against Bournemouth once again is a sign of the remarkable progress he is embarking on under Mikel Arteta. Contributing to 10 goals across all competitions so far this season for Arsenal (3 goals, 7 assists).

The left-back role more than likely won’t be his permanent position in future but it is one that will surely enhance his development and deepen his understanding of the game.

What about Gabriel Martinelli? A name on every Arsenal fans lips currently A player with a fantastic attitude to improve. His non-stop running, tenaciousness, willingness to impress, speed and confidence in front of goal is already propelling him to become a key figure in Arteta’s side even at the tender of 18. 10 goals in a remarkable breakout campaign will surely give Mikel Arteta food for though as the former Manchester City coach builds a side worthy of challenging his former employers. The Brazilian youngster has taken in the rigours of the Premier League like a duck to water, and its no surprise considering his admirable levels of professionalism and character. Martinelli is a player well on his way to stardom.

Arteta already holds a solid base to build his side around. Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah, a player with massive potential but desperate to prove he holds the abilities to become Arsenal’s regular no.9 after his unsuccessful loan spell with Leeds United, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and even Mateo Guendouzi are all currently showcasing qualities that will make them key figures in the future of Arsenal football club. While this season may be viewed as a write off by the Arsenal faithful considering the gap between themselves and Chelsea in the Champions League places, it is a chance for Arteta to assess and mould his side at least until the summer where he will be given the opportunity and resources to fully rebuild a deflated squad. The young-fledgling talents at his disposal however, are somewhat easing the pressure off the Spaniard.

The future certainly looks bright at the Emirates.

Alexandre Lacazette is a player known for the occasional strop during games and when being substituted. During the 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, he threw yet another act of frustration after being hauled off for academy product Eddie Nketiah 15 minutes from the end. It was an act which ran much deeper.

The Frenchman is currently under going pretty bad spell in front of goal. It is now eight league games without since scoring against Brighton at the start of December. As a result, his future at the Emirates is now being called into question.

With Eddie Nketiah back from his unsuccessful loan spell at Leeds, hoping to prove a point under Mikel Arteta and Gabriel Martinelli continuing to impress in his first season in the English top-flight, Lacazette’s position as Arsenal’s main frontman is under serious threat.

It may have been an unfruitful season for the club last campaign, but for Lacazette on a personal level, it was an unforgettable one. Scoring 19 goals and assisting 13 in all competitions, he was awarded Arsenal’s player of the season last year, becoming the sides chief creative force and arguably their most influential attacker at no.9. The striker had been as affected as anyone else by the collective decline that ultimately cost Unai Emery his job.

His contribution towards Arsenal’s gradual resurgence under Arteta can’t be overlooked despite his poor run in front of goal. His sumptuous assist for Aubameyang in their 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace was a further indication as to how vital he is to Arsenal’s attacking play.

The way in which he holds off his marker bringing others into play, his strength, tenacity and energy when pressing from the front and his never-say die attitude are characteristics that have endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful. Though, when in the form he is currently in, snatching at chances and failing to finish off intricate passing moves, you can almost forgive the fans for turning against him. There is always gonna be pressure leading the line for Arsenal, especially when you cost the best part of £50million. Now, there will be more pressure without Aubameyang.

There is the argument that in order for Lacazette to improve his form, he must focus less on trying to accommodate others, overworking himself dribbling, tackling and putting himself about lessening his influence in front of goal. He must become more ruthless and selfish in search of a goal. Lacazette has certainly evolved in recent seasons, no longer is he an out-an-out striker latching onto the end of passes, or playing on the shoulder of the last defender, he is now taking on the role of a withdrawn forward who is actively involved in attacking build-up rather than getting into the right positions to finish off attacking moves. Whether its a good or a bad thing, it’s certainly affecting his abilities to score regularly.

More than anything, it is a lack of confidence and sharpness that has defined his difficulties this season. Though, he is not far away from hitting top form. No striker in the world let alone Europe is immune from a barren spell. It is noticeable that, in terms of his statistical output, he has barely dipped from last year. Lacazette is creating more chances for his teammates per game, and providing more key passes in comparison to last season [WhoScored].

Perhaps it is unfair to judge him solely on his goal scoring. It’s become clear that there is more to him than meets the eye. His all round game and defensive work from the front is earning as many plaudits as his goalscoring output. While Aubameyang is viewed as the predator, Lacazette offers more in his game and an ability to bring the best out of the players around him. Now, rather than Lacazette becoming the sole-creator, his teammates can do more to help him to form. He needs the likes of Pepe, Martinelli, Ozil, Reiss Nelson to improve the consistency in their chance creation. It’s not a worry when you’re squandering chances, it is a worry however, if a no.9 isn’t on the end of them.

Lacazette maybe lacking his predatory instincts in front of goal right now, but he is offering so much more. He holds the character, drive and personality to reignite his goal scoring prowess. Patience – a rare commodity in modern day football – is certainly required.

When he arrived at Manchester United from Southampton as a £30million 18-year-old England international in 2014, Luke Shaw was meant to be the Red Devils’ permanent left-back for the next 10 years. Fast forward a little over 5 years, and his potential of becoming United’s future is under serious threat. There’s a new kid on the block now wowing the Old Trafford faithful, a product of Manchester United’s illustrious academy.

Although, recent seasons as a Manchester United supporter hasn’t reaped its benefits with success, the club has still produced moments worthy of celebration. One major silver lining in an otherwise fruitless few seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, is the emergence of an exciting group of academy prospects making their name in the first team. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood, Axel Tuanzebe, to the up and coming figures of Angel Gomes, Dylan Levitt and James Garner.

Though, one kid already making a name for himself and threatening to make Luke Shaw a thing of the past at Old Trafford is 19-year-old Brandon Williams.

Thrust into the first-team because of injuries to Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw, Williams has rapidly made the position his own. He’s never once looked fazed by the pressure of filling in.

With injuries to a lack of depth in the squad, Solskjaer has had to turn to his academy and it is a risk that is reaping its rewards. Against Brighton, Williams was in fact handed the man-of-the-match award because of his tidy and assured performance in a game where United were desperate for the three points. His positional awareness, bravery and maturity stood out in a relatively comfortable 3-1 victory.

Where United have often been unbalanced in the back line deploying make shift options such as Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo, it’s been refreshing to see a natural left-back in the team. A position that has regularly been a problem for United, now currently looks to be solved. 14 appearances already for Williams, and United have only lost one of those.

The above stat tells its own story about the impact Brandon Williams is having on the whole team. He has restored a defensive resilience in United’s back-line, something that has been missing for much of the season, and never even expected after United shelled out nearly £80million on Harry Maguire. Now United have two full-backs on either flank with the full capabilities of courageously becoming influential both in attack and defence.

Sure, Luke Shaw’s had his fair share of injuries problems, though when he is fit, he’s often looked susceptible in defence and rarely offers an adequate support for Marcus Rashford on the left. Brandon Williams has filled in that role effortlessly. One of the reasons United lack much creativity in the final third is due to Luke Shaw or Ashley Young regularly failing to provide an outlet for Rashford when he drifts in field. Because of that lack of support, it is easy for defenders to sniff out Rashford’s attempts on the left because there isn’t an alternative beside him to engage and for the forward to use as a decoy.

Brandon William has thankfully provided Solskjaer with a solution however, his marauding, non-stop runs off the ball down the left, driving with the ball from deep benefits United’s play. Now opposite full-backs are drawn away from the ball in an attempt to engage Williams’ movement which means Rashford or Anthony Martial have more space to exploit in the final third. It was his relentless energy and determination to get onto Rashford’s over-hit pass that gifted United the penalty in their 4-0 rout against Norwich at Old Trafford.

Such a trait is clearly being valued by Solskjaer and the whole squad, and its why Brandon Williams is being earmarked as United’s best left-back since Patrice Evra. The 19-year-old’s overally play has rejuvenated a team that’s long been in desperate need of some injection of energy, bravery and drive down the left-flank.

It’s performances like that of Brighton, Norwich, Wolves twice in the recent FA Cup ties, and Sheffield United back in November, amongst a long list of examples from Brandon Williams that is providing United fans with some real excitement in a season filled with many ups and downs. Long may it continue, the signs of Williams’ early development are very encouraging. This is a player worthy of some celebration, how the United faithful have needed those over the years.

The January transfer window is hotting up. While it may be difficult for the top clubs around Europe to identify and complete big money moves, it is certainly a month used to increase squad depth and scout promising young talents. One player who fits the latter perfectly, with his name rapidly popping up on the rumour mill is 22-year-old Brazillian midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

Currently plying his trade in the Brazillian top-flight for Athletico Paranaense, he may just be swapping the elegant warmth of South America for the winter chill of London. The player has regularly been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as Atletico Madrid.

Who is Bruno Guimarães? 

Born and raised in the neighbourhood of of São Cristóvão, Rio de Janiero. Bruno Guimarães made his professional debut at Brazilian outfit Audax, in April 2015, aged just 17. Playing the last three minutes in a 2-1 Campeonato Paulista away win against Bragantino.

He was then promoted to first-team 2 years later after impressing in the Copa Sao Paulo de Futbol Junior competition. In May that year, he was then snapped up by his current club Athletico Paranaense on loan until April 2018, initially assigned to the under-23 squad. Guimarães then made his debut in the Brazilian top-flight in the summer of 2017, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 defeat to Athletico Goianiense.

It was in March 2018, that he was signed permanently signing a contract keeping him at the club until 2021. He scored his first goal for the club that same month, and has never looked back, becoming a regular in the side under Tiago Nunes, renewing his contract until to 2023 in February 2019.

He’s made nearly 100 appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals and laying on 5 assists.

Style of play?

Bruno Guimarães can play in a number of positions in the midfield. As a deep-lying number six, or a marauding and energetic number eight. Though, he is regularly deployed as a defensive midfielder for his club, sitting in the base of midfield, breaking up play, sweeping up counter-attacks, and becoming an orchestrator from deep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBji7P6Cnz4

 

In the above video, he regularly displays his consummate abilities to distribute the ball, with strong vertical passes and switches of play. The Audax youth product has a fantastic positional awareness and understanding, knowing when to hold his position and when to drift out wide if his defensive duties demands such. It’s his quickness off the ball and with it that allows his side to become so dominant in the middle.

What’s also impressive about Guimarães is his telepathic understanding with his forwards, he knows when to pick them out with his long raking passes over the defence, and the trajectory at which he hits the pass is what makes him so unique. As is with the cause with so many Brazilian midfielders, he has excellent dribbling qualities and ball control which allows him to draw in multiple defenders in which he can easily beat them and thread eye of the needle passes. He performs this trait with such remarkable regularity.

Guimarães’s vision and passing is what sets him apart from the rest. Despite making timely runs into the box, he isn’t blessed with an eye for goal. He doesn’t posses a great shot or heading abilities which limits his influence in the final third. But it’s in the middle third, where his impact truly comes to the fore. He’s an outstanding ball-winner and excellent when breaking the lines of play with simple pass or a mazy run. This is a player with an impressive range of skill-sets.

How would he fit in at Arsenal?

Fast transitional play is vitally important in European football, especially in the Premier League, and Guimarães holds the necessary qualities to perform such a role. It may take him a while to fully get familiar with the rigours of the Premier League, but there is no doubt that the player harnesses the traits and qualities that Arteta requires.

Arsenal in recent years have often lacked a powerful presence in midfield, someone who can make a cynical foul when necessary, or one who can break up play with relative ease. It’s clear Arteta needs an authoritative figure in the middle.

Lucas Torreira and Xhaka have enjoyed a renaissance under Arteta, but their immediate future at the Emirates is unclear. Alternative options may be needed. The Brazilian under-23 player certainly holds the defensive nous to make it in a top European League. He can truly command a midfield from the holding role.

The Brazilian may however struggle with the increased speed of the Premier League. Especially with his somewhat languid style of play on the ball. A move to Spain might be more ideal, at least initially, than making the jump to England.

However, Arsenal wouldn’t be scouting the player extensively if they didn’t believe he had the qualities to become a success in the Premier League. He is a player that is obviously liked by Mikel Arteta and exposure to Premier League football could provide him with the opportunity to finally make his name for the Brazilian national side too.

This is a player with a huge future. Arsenal would do well to get a taste of his qualities.

 

Bournemouth’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Watford means they now sit second from bottom in the Premier League table, and have incurred 4 points from a possible 30 since their last victory over Manchester United in September, making this their worst ever run under Eddie Howe in the top flight.

It’s not the only stat causing panic for the coaching staff, they have also scored the joint lowest league goals at this stage of the season, level with Watford and Crystal Palace. It’s been a remarkable downward slide for the club. At this stage last season, they sat comfortably in 12th place on 30 points. This season, they are 10 points worse off.

While it may be plausible to blame Bournemouth’s current form on their terrible run of injuries to 10 of their first team stars such as Josh King, David Brooks, and Junior Stanislas, it seems as though Eddie Howe isn’t making the best use of the players currently available to him.

Throughout Bournemouth’s impressive rise in the Barclays Premier League, Eddie Howe has always been heavily reliant on pacey wingers and their ability to work so effectively around Callum Wilson, like the Norwegian Josh King who is currently one of Howe’s most consistent performers. Injuries to such players have exposed Bournemouth’s frailties in attack, and they are no longer the exciting team they once where.

Against Watford, Bournemouth lined up in their customary 4-4-2 setup.

It is a formation that has become the hallmark of much of Bournemouth’s quick transitional play especially through their wingers on either flank and full-backs. Also their fluid movement in an around the final third has often caused defences many problems but injuries to key players certainly hasn’t helped their cause, especially for the players who aren’t on the treatment table.

Ryan Fraser has lost his aura and isn’t the fearsome little lightning winger he’s always shown. Harry Wilson – despite showing glimpses of his quality – has lacked the consistency that made him so vital under Frank Lampard at Derby in the Championship last season.

But there is certainly a case to argue that Howe’s 4-4-2 system isn’t bringing out their best. Fraser and Wilson aren’t flying wingers like King and Stanislas, they are more creative wingers becoming most influential when drifting inside, in the half-space or in between the opposition’s defence and midfield. It’s within those positions that Fraser and Wilson work most of their magic. Last season, Fraser became one of the league’s top creators, involved in 21 of Bournemouth’s 56 Premier League goals (7 goals, 14 assists). Harry Wilson for Derby, scored 16 goals, and assisted 4.

One which Eddie Howe could take on board if he is to arrest Bournemouth’s dramatic slide. Rather than relying on his trusted 4-4-2 in which the midfielders must be tireless and efficient workhorses, he could line up in a 4-3-3 or a 4-1-4-1 shape, sacrificing one of his strikers for more creativity around the lone frontman and more importantly, providing security in a midfield that currently lacks the discipline to sit and sweep up the opponents counter attacking moves. Bournemouth are so easy to play through due to a lack of security in front of the back four. Howe’s team are known for their knack of conceding goals, but always held the necessary quality in attack to bail themselves out of trouble with their relentless energy and swift attacking moves. It just hasn’t been the case this season. Instead of conceding and scoring more goals as regularly is the case with Howe’s side, they are now scoring less and conceding more.

Jefferson Lerma was brought in for security in front of their defence, but he’s been found wanting in Howe’s 4-4-2 setup. A shift to a possible 4-3-3 could bring the best out of the Colombian. Not only is he good in breaking up play, he also has a good range of passing. Though, he needs bodies alongside him in midfield to carry out his duties effectively.

The 4-3-3 is a formation that provides control in possession and security without it.

For the system to work, Bournemouth’s full-backs must become highly proficient in attack as well as defending . Diego Rico and Adam Smith are both naturally flying full-backs. Their constant running in support of the attack will allow Fraser and Wilson the license to drift inside and support Callum Wilson centrally. The England international is currently embarking on a disastrous run of 14 games without a goal, a run which stretches back to September. The fluidity, speed, and creativity of both wingers could provide Callum Wilson a solution to his dry spell in front of goal.

What’s also helpful in this formation is that one of the two midfielders in front of Lerma could act as an effective box-to-box player, a midfield runner who can have an influence in attack as well as in defence, someone like Lewis Cook who is an elegant all-round performer when given the opportunity. Brilliant in possession, has an eye for a cute pass, and a predator in the tackle. The 4-3-3 formation could be perfect for players like Lewis Cook, who can also perform a role in front of the defence too. Phillip Billing’s towering presence could be a mouthwatering prospect for Eddie Howe in this system also. If Cook is given the licence to roam then Billing could drop back with Lerma and help sweep up counter attacks providing adequate cover for the attacking full-backs.

Against Watford, Bournemouth only had the one shot on target, and that was down to a lack of quality in attack and support from the midfield. At the other end, they were left exposed defensively by Watford’s quick and bullish attackers.. It’s time Eddie Howe becomes flexible and alters his game plan, one that suits and complements the players available to him. Bournemouth are in desperate need of some inspiration, injection and confidence, a shift in formation to a flexible 4-3-3 could provide just that.

Frequent watchers of Manchester United this season will know only too well that one of their most fundamental weaknesses is a lack of creativity in the middle.

When on the attack, their front three of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James are as menacing as any other in the whole of Europe let alone the Premier League. United have also looked resolute defensively on occasions. But it’s in the midfield areas that Solskjaer’s side lack the necessary quality, considering Paul Pogba has been on the treatment table for most of the season and with McTominay also joining him, United’s need for options in the middle have never been greater.

Without Pogba, United look bereft of ideas and lacking any sort of inventiveness when trying to break down deep defensive blocks. It’s no wonder why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is heavily interested in the services of Leicester City’s James Maddison. A January move for the player is highly unlikely but United are reportedly looking to make their move come the end of the season.

The former Norwich man ticks all the boxes for United’s scouting team in terms of his age at 23, his footballing DNA, is a young British player, and a midfielder who can effortlessly create opportunities for others around him. Statistically, Maddison is the fifth most inventive player in the Premier League so far this season.

He finished the last campaign as the top creator with 100, more than ex-Chelsea man Eden Hazard. It’s no secret of Manchester United’s desire to sign the midfielder who already has six goals and three assists so far this campaign. United’s supposed creative influences in Pereira, Lingard and Juan Mata combined haven’t come close to matching James Maddison’s numbers.

What has been evidently clear of James Maddison under Brendan Rodgers since his appointment in February, is his influence in much of Leicester’s attacking play. A conductor and an orchestrator in such a well-rounded and finely balanced team. Whether playing in the most advanced position of a midfield three, or as a more deep-lying playmaker, or tucked in off the left-wing or in his more natural role directly behind Jamie Vardy, he is the man to set and maintain the tempo of their attacking moves.

Since the start of last season, Maddison has provided four assists for Jamie Vardy in the league and you can imagine the kind of relationship he could build with the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who could profit handsomely from having a player of Maddison’s intelligence and craft behind them.

Rather than scouting for talents elsewhere around Europe who will need ample time to bed in and settle in a new league, Maddison would instantly be added to United’s starting XI and majorly impact their style of play, like Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have swiftly achieved so far.

However, with Leicester sitting admirably in second place in the Premier League table and United languishing in fifth, there is a case for Maddison to reject United’s advances and become the bedrock of what Brendan Rodgers is trying to achieve at the King Power. There is a clear personality, direction and ethos under the former Celtic coach, something United are lacking at this current point in time.

Additionally, Maddison will – if Leicester keep up their good form in the second half of the season – have the luxury of playing in the Champions League for the first time. Every young footballer dreams of playing against some of the best footballers in Europe and the Champions League will provide Maddison with the opportunity to mix it with the best. Manchester United are part of the chasing pack and there is no guarantee of European football next season, so why would Maddison sacrifice his continued development at a stable and progressive club to join a club still trying to identify their philosophy.

Though, Maddison could be the key to United unlocking their potential. The midfielder will certainly become a central figure for Solskjaer if he is to move on. The lure of playing under the Old Trafford lights is tempting for any young English footballer, especially for someone as ambitious and self-confident as James Maddison, but the lure of Champions League football will be difficult to turn down too.

Maddison would need to weigh up his options with much caution, and avoid getting distracted for the remainder of the season with the European Championships taking place in June, and Leicester’s place in the top four still not guaranteed yet. A place in Southgate’s squad is up for grabs when the announcement is made in May, and Maddison can ill-afford to become wrapped up in a decision which could shape his long-term future.

His immediate future with Leicester City and England should be his main priority.

 

 

 

Norwich City and England Under-21s full back Max Aarons is reportedly attracting the interest of as many as four Premier League clubs in the January transfer window after his stellar season so far in the top flight.

Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be leading the chase for his signature, with West Ham and Everton also expressing an interest in the player.

According to various media outlets, £30million would be enough to prize the young full back away from the Canaries clutches. Such is his importance to Daniel Farke, it would be a blow for Norwich City to lose such a prized asset at this stage of the season, considering they are locked in a battle to beat relegation.

Aarons is enjoying a sparkling first season in the Premier League, after helping the club to promotion from the Championship last campaign, becoming arguably Norwich’s most influential player.

According to Sky Sources, Tottenham remain increasingly interested in his services. Mauricio Pochettino was eager to add him to the Spurs ranks in the summer after they sold Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid but a deal never materialised. The club is continuing to monitor his development and the right-back spot is a priority for Jose Mourinho to bolster.

Max Aarons certainly fits the bill but is he ready for a big move away? 

The England Under-21 international moved to Norwich from Luton Town in 2016, and signed his three-year professional contract at the age of 18. Since then, Aarons has become the hallmark of everything good at Carrow Road. Named in the Championship team of the season last year, also picking up the Young Player of the Season award as he excelled in their rise to promotion. His statistics from last year was spectacular too, considering he played most of the season at right-back, contributing to nine goals (3 goals, 6 assists) from 43 appearances in all competitions.

Aarons may not hold the same kind of numbers in the current season, in fact, he hasn’t contributed to any Norwich City goal so far. However, his importance to the cause should never be underestimated.

He’s found it tough going at times in the top-flight particularly against Manchester United in their 3-1 defeat, often found out of position and given the runaround by an in-form Marcus Rashford but that’s understandable considering he only turned 20 years of age after the New Year, but there are some performances that have highlighted his incredible growth and maturity under Daniel Farke.

Against Crystal Palace on New Years Day, Aarons handled the responsibility of marking Wilfried Zaha resolutely further proving he has what it takes to become one of the best in his position.

Aarons’ combination of speed, trickery, pace and power taking in to account his remarkably small frame, is exemplary. The right-back is incredibly brave too, never shying away from trying to beat his marker and putting a cross into the box for the forwards. It’s those characteristics and his strong poise on the ball that makes him one of the most exciting attacking full-backs in the division.

 

 

This season has thrown up some outstanding individual performances from right-backs with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Wan Bissaka and Ricardo Pereira the most notable candidates, but Norwich City’s Max Aarons, more than deserves his fair share of praises this season.

 

 

There’s no reason why Aarons cannot take the next step in his fledgling career and become a student of Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur, a club which allows young players like Aarons to flourish. Providing he may take the next step, there is still a lot for Aarons to improve on such as his defensive positioning and reading of the game which has been susceptible on a number of occasions this season.

While that improvement all comes with age, it certainly seems as if Max Aarons will be plying his trade in the Premier League for years to come.

Christian Eriksen’s future at Tottenham has been the main topic of conversation for several months. His refusal to sign a new contract at the club, and ambition to seek another challenge elsewhere means that now, with six months left on his current deal, he is free to negotiate with other clubs, with a view to leaving for free in the summer.

With a whole host of top European clubs already vying for the Danish internationals signature including Inter Milan, which of them could Eriksen opt to join?

 

Inter Milan

 

According to Sky Sources, Inter Milan have already begun discussions with the representatives of Christian Eriksen with a view of possibly taking him on board this month. Also, there are widespread reports suggesting that the midfielder has already agreed a deal with the Serie A leaders.

Conte is in the market for at least 3 signings as they push for their first Italian triumph since Jose Mourinho’s stint in 2010.

It is believed that Conte would rather prioritise the signing of Arturo Vidal from Barcelona before moving onto other targets. What is intriguing about Conte’s squad is the amount of options he already holds in his midfield. Nicolo Barella, Stefano Sensi, Marcelo Brozovic, all of whom have become a mainstay in the Italian’s engine room have been victims of various injury problems as of late. They also have on their books Matias Vecino, Roberto Gagliardini and Borja Valero. It is difficult to see how Christian Eriksen fits in with Conte’s plans let alone Arturo Vidal, unless they free up space by selling a few of their stars.

It is unlikely that a talented player such as Eriksen will be happy warming the bench as he has done for much of this current campaign.

 

Manchester United

 

Manchester United are in desperate need of creativity and quality in the midfield, and a move for Christian Eriksen makes perfect sense. Injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba leaves Solskjaer in desperate need of reinforcements.

It is believed that Daniel Levy, Tottenham’s chairman, will have no problems negotiating the sale of Eriksen with rival clubs. Manchester United and Tottenham are both amongst a number of clubs battling it out for the Champions League places currently and Eriksen moving to Old Trafford could provide Solskjaer with the added tonic of winning the race at Tottenham’s expense.

Eriksen could seamlessly fill in the no.10 role behind Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. Not only will United increase their creative output, but goals will no longer become hard to come by. Eriksen’s technical abilities in the final third are what United are crying out for.

In so many instances this season, Solskjaer’s players have found it difficult to breach low-block defences, but Eriksen holds all the technical qualities needed to enhance United’s thrust in the final third.

While it may be ideal for United to pursue Eriksen’s services, it is reported that Solskjaer has eyes set on other attacking midfield targets such as James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz according to The Athletic, three options which could become a mainstay in the squad for years to come while Eriksen will only be a short-term solution.

 

Real Madrid

 

It is no secret of Zinedine Zidane’s admiration for Christian Eriksen, but with the amount of quality Real Madrid possess in their attacking midfield department, do they really require his services?

Isco, Marco Asensio and James Rodriguez all hold the necessary quality to be permanent fixtures in Zidane’s squad. However, it has become clear during the French legend’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu that he does not have similar taste as much of the fans do.

There have been various rumours suggesting Real Madrid are willing to offload Isco and Rodriguez this summer, and with Luka Modric likely to depart too, that could free up space for someone like Christian Eriksen to fill the void. Zidane prefers Manchester United’s Paul Pogba however, and a big money move for him is well on the cards.

The Dane will be looking to become a regular fixture in the starting XI, it is unlikely that Real Madrid will provide him with that opportunity seeing as Zidane views Paul Pogba as his main priority.

 

Juventus

 

Juventus are the masters of the free transfer business and have made known there interest in the Danish playmaker but like Real Madrid and Inter Milan, they are pretty well stacked in the middle and don’t really require is services.

Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Bentacur, Aaron Ramsey and Federico Bernardeschi have all filled in perfectly when needed so there is no reason why Maurizio Sarri should be in the market for another similar type of player whether now or in January. Even if Juventus were to acquire Eriksen’s services for free in the summer, even after they offload certain players, there is no guarantees that Sarri will find him a permanent place in the starting XI.

Christian Eriksen would be wise to hold off any advances from the Serie A champions.

 

Sign a New Contract at Tottenham

 

It seems as though the only plausible option for Christian Eriksen is to carry on his career at Tottenham Hotspur. While it may be tempting to join one of the top clubs around Europe, there are no guarantees that the Danish international will become a permanent fixture in any of their squads. So why not continue your development under one of the most decorated coaches in world football in Jose Mourinho?

There is no denying that the Portuguese coach has a lot of work to do to take the club to the next level, but keeping hold of his top stars and the spine of his team such as Eriksen and co could provide the perfect platform to build from.

Despite the number of possible quality replacements for Eriksen that are currently being scouted around Europe, it’ll still be pretty difficult to replace his intelligence and creative brilliance, two components that Spurs lack when Eriksen is not involved.

A new challenge may prove very tempting for Eriksen but his own development must be the priority, maybe signing a new contract – as Mourinho has strongly suggested to him – is the best option.

Aaron Mooy’s importance to Brighton has been summed up over the past few weeks, and certainly over the Christmas period. As soon as the Brighton supporters saw his number held up, to be replaced with six minutes left on the clock, they knew it was time to sound their appreciation for the Australian international.

A rapturous applause erupted after what was another scintillating by the on-loan Huddersfield midfielder.

If Graham Potter knows what’s good for his fast evolving Brighton side, he would swiftly snap up the player on a permanent deal before the bigger clubs all come vying for his signature.

Mooy has quickly become one of the most underrated commodities in the Premier League so far this season, and is a true representation of the kind of imprint and philosophy he is embarking on at the club. This isn’t the first we’ve seen of Aaron Mooy in the Premier League, he was Huddersfield’s star performer during their top-flight journey last year, one which saw them relegated to the Championship after two seasons back. It was clear the player was too good for the second division and it was only right for Graham Potter to snap him up from Huddersfield’s clutches, even if only temporary.

With the January transfer window well and truly underway, Potter should make signing Mooy permanently a top priority. His performance against Bournemouth was the perfect reason why. Eddie Howe’s side couldn’t handle the Australian, and he only needed three minutes to show just how good he is, intercepting possession and then driving through the Bournemouth midfield, picking out Neal Maupay who set up Alireza Jahanbakhsh for Brighton’s opening goal.

Aaron Mooy may look like the play-making midfielder he has always been earmarked to be, he doesn’t sit deep and dictate play in front of the defence like the roles Davy Pröpper or Yves Bissouma have been assigned to this season. Sitting at the tip of Potter’s diamond midfield setup, he is rather an efficient attacking midfielder, one who links up play between the deep-lying players and the forwards, enhances the press, drives the whole team up the pitch becoming the focal point for a counter-attack, has the defensive nous to break up play and is also gifted with a range of passing that only few players in the Premier League can match.

Just to add to his impressive range of skill sets, he is also efficient from set-pieces situations. His all-round game is why interest in him have spiked and you certainly won’t back against him turning up for one of the big boys in the near future. An Arsenal or an Everton could become the next platform for him if Brighton don’t secure his services permanently.

The second against Bournemouth was a real peach, picking up a cross from Leandro Trossard on the chest, before swivelling from the challenge of Chris Mepham and expertly finding the far top corner to put Brighton 2-0 up. It was quite simply a touch of class. A strike even Dutch, Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp would have been proud of. On Boxing day, the Australian also put in an awe-inspiring performance in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham. Often popping up in effective pockets of space, causing much panic in between Tottenham’s midfield pivot and defence. What’s all the more impressive about Aaron Mooy is his incredible knack of operating in tight spaces. Give him a pass under pressure, and he will almost certainly find a way to wriggle his way out of the pressure.

The Australian is a true ball technician, a master of the art of ball progression and is one of the key reasons why Brighton are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the top-flight so far this season. Despite only being involved in two of Brighton’s goals in the Premier League (1 goal, 1 assist), his importance to Graham Potter is there for all to see. Much of their passing into the final third goes through the Australian, and his game intelligence and tactical understanding in weaving through the lines of play is very effective.

At 29 years of age, Mooy isn’t getting any younger, and it is unclear whether his immediate future will be at the Amex or on a grander stage at one of the big boys. However, if Graham Potter harbours any ambitions to elevate Brighton football club to new heights then securing Mooy’s future at the club should be at the top of his agenda over the next few months.