If RB Leipzig can take any solace from their quite below-par start to the season under new boss Jesse Marsch, its the form of their supremely gifted talismanic French midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
The 23-year-old was terribly unlucky that is tremendous hat-trick against Manchester City in their UEFA Champions League group stage curtain raiser came at a disastrous cost as Leipzig were cut to shreds at the other end as City triumphed 6-3 at the Etihad.
While much of the headlines on the night will have been about their shambolic defending against Grealish and co. Christopher Nkunku’s stock rose considerably providing hope for Leipzig in an otherwise dour evening in Manchester.
Photo: REUTERS/Craig Brough
The 23-year-old took his goals superbly, despite all three of them drawing Leipzig back into the game whilst City ran riot, but all three goals were a true reflection of the remarkable growth he is showing under Jesse Marsch so far this season.
The former Red Bull Salzburg coach has already stated his admiration and joy at working with the Frenchman, “Christopher has no weaknesses. He’s young and still want a lot more. Working with him is a lot of fun as he’s really intelligent and has a lot of potential.”
Indeed, Nkunku is an incredibly intelligent player and that isn’t just reflected in his goals – he’s got 7 goals and 2 assists in eight games at the time of writing – it’s the way he’s setting about scoring them. Getting himself into the right positions to take his chances but also provide the whole team with the onus to go and express themselves in attack.
Against Hertha Berlin at the weekend, Nkunku scored two beautiful goals – a dink over the keeper and a finely taken free-kick right into the top corner – and provided two assists in Leipzig’s 6-0 rout over a very poor Hertha BSC side to become the hallmark of Leipzig’s instant rejuvenation.
In their second Champions League group stage game against Belgian outfit Club Brugge – in yet another European defeat for Jesse Marsch and his side – he bagged his fourth goal in the competition latching onto a through ball to put Leipzig ahead in a 2-1 defeat.
It’s important to note that Nkunku has always provided the admirable and telling consistency in his game that makes him such a uniquely gifted performer for Leipzig. It’s only now, his performances are reaping its rewards.
Last season, he registered the highest combined non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assists (xA) for attacking midfielders/wingers domestically (0.73 per game). How does that rank amongst his peers? Very high in fact. Over the course of the past year, he ranks in the 96th percentile in Europe’s top five leagues and international club competition for the same category (0.64 per game).
NpxG and xA are combined with “shot creation actions”, meaning “the two offensive actions directly leading to a shot, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls”, highlighting involvement in Leipzig’s attacks. Once again, his overall contribution was only bettered by a handful of the world’s top midfielders/forwards, including Neymar and Lionel Messi.
However, due to poor finishing by himself and his teammates meant that his extraordinarily positive influence on the team’s attacking output was getting somewhat overlooked because he wasn’t registering the goals and assists that is expected from attacking midfielders.
His Bundesliga npxG of 0.37 and xA of 0.36 per 90 only produced six goals and six assists from 28 games. In fact, his underlying numbers suggest Nkunku should really have notched around 10 goals and 10 assists last season. His end product appeared above-average rather than excellent, unlike his debut campaign where he hit five goals and 13 assists.
Also, his positional versatility proved his undoing under former boss Julian Nagelsmann last year. He was seen as a very useful utility player rather than the technically gifted up-and-coming star he should have been perceived as.
Nkunku performed in a variety roles mostly as one of two narrow attacking midfielders behind a striker or false nine which hampered his understanding of his role and value in the team and also the opportunity to work efficiently and effectively with his fellow attackers such as the equally gifted Dani Olmo.
In Jesse Marsch’s 4-2-3-1 system, by contrast, he’s been utilised as more of a winger.
When Marsch changed his set-up in response to his team’s run of poor results ahead of the Hertha BSC game and reverted to Nagelsmann’s 3-4-3 system, Nkunku was back in the right-sided No 10 role but crucially given licence to make roam and make deeper runs as his abilities warrant.
From there, he’s able to provide his strongest assets: his pace, off-the-ball movement and superb understanding of space in between the opponent’s defence and midfield. Against Hertha, Nkunku clocked an outstanding 35.5 kilometres per hour during the game.
Defensively, Nkunku is just as quick off the mark and without the ball. 8.69 pressures in the final third put him in the 99th percentile in the top five leagues for players in his positions.
The midfielder is so dangerously creative too. Once he gets the ball in the final third, its incredibly hard to stop him expressing himself. He’s always on the move, always willing to receive the ball in the most difficult areas in the half-space but more important he is very competent and consistent in attempting the extraordinary eye-of-the-needle through balls. He’s averaged an incredible 5.27 shot creating actions, 2.41 key passes, 2.22 passes into the final third whilst also averaging the same amount of passes into the 18-yard-box per90 minutes. Again, he is so vital to Jesse Marsch’s team.
Christopher Nkunku is one of the most underrated players in Europe right now. Probably because he already played for a big club and isn't really considered a new kid on the block, but there are very few 23-year-olds with his combination of intelligence and efficiency.
Now, we are finally starting to see Nkunku reap his rewards. He’s always worked hard as the above stats show, he’s always been a willing player both in attack and defence but he hasn’t had the numbers to show for it.
🇫🇷 Christopher Nkunku (23) and @RBLeipzig starting to pep up after a 6-0 win vs. Hertha.
At Leipzig, they’re not surprised at his extraordinary start to the season.
After returning from the summer break with more muscle having worked with a personal trainer on his stability and speed, putting in extra shifts on the training ground in his ball-work, Marsch and his coaching staff were expecting him to be one of the key performers in this campaign and Nkunku has repaid their faith so far.
He is one of the first names on the team-sheet this season, after finding his spot limited under Naglesmann last year.
Born in Lagny-sur-Marne, the same Paris suburb that produced Paul Pogba, Nkunku cut a rather slight if confident figure among fellow Clairefontaine academy students Marcus Thuram (now at Borussia Monchengladbach), Allan Saint-Maximin (now at Newcastle United) and Amine Harit (now at Marseille).
As was often the case of young stars playing in Paris, opportunities were limited for players from the PSG academy. If you need any examples, just ask players like Odsonne Edouard, Tanguy Nianzou, Boubakary Soumaré or Timothy Weah, the list is endless.
Nkunku understood that he needed to find regular game time hence his move to Leipzig in 2019. A club well placed to provide him with the development and learning his game deserved.
Shortly before leaving Paris, Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat had attempted to bring in the player on loan in the 2018-19 winter transfer window but PSG didn’t approve. He was sold to RB for €13 million and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League in his first season.
“It was the club I needed,” Nkunku explained at the time. “I’ve rediscovered the pleasure of playing. I feel that I’m blossoming on the pitch, that I’m a bit more liberated. The more time goes on, the better I am. Now I can say that it is better to leave your comfort zone to grow taller.”
The 23-year-old has grown considerably since then, his game has matured and his intelligence and understanding of the tactically has soared through the roof, and its a testament to his hard-work and willingness to learn and improve. Nkunku is only going to get better and that’s a scary sight for Leipzig’s opponents this season.
His existing contract runs until 2024 but just like Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Timo Werner and Marcel Sabitzer before him, he’ll almost certainly become too good a player to stick around at Leipzig for much longer.
The club will have to enjoy him while they can, because Christopher Nkunku is on to much bigger things in the near future.
With Aston Villa lacking the required decisiveness in the final third, seeming short of ideas against Everton at Villa Park, coach Dean Smith decided it was the perfect time to throw on their new signing Leon Bailey in the 61st minute, and change the game he did.
The Jamaican international immediately curled in a dangerous free kick, a few minutes later Matty Cash bombed down the right flank to score his first Villa goal.
Soon after, Bailey’s set-piece qualities were evident once again, utilizing that wand of a left-boot to swing in a peach of a cross from a corner which forced Everton left-back Lucas Digne to head into his own net; you simply do not defend those crosses as the French defender found out
Six minutes later, Danny Ings played a devastating cross-field pass in front of Bailey and the Jamaican headed the ball ahead of himself while charging into the penalty area.
For his next touch, he rifled the ball into the roof of the net in front of a delirious Holte End to make it 3-0. It was a finish truly reminiscent of his time at Bayer Leverkusen where he registered 46 Bundesliga goal involvements during his five year spell in Germany.
Ten minutes later he was forced off with a thigh strain apparently picked up from kicking the ball hard for his first goal in English football.
Bailey became only the second Villa player to be subbed on, score, and then be subbed off in a Premier League match, after Julian Joachim against Derby County in September 2000.
The 24-year-old was only on the field for 21 minutes, yet he provided the crucial impact Villa needed. If those 20-odd minutes were any indicator for how his Villa career would look like in the next few years, then Aston Villa really do have a stunning player on their hands.
Bailey joined the club this summer at the peak of Jack Grealish’s transfer saga, which perhaps meant his arrival was not met with the excitement it deserved. But make no mistake, this is one of the most exciting signings at Villa Park for a long time.
If you were indeed to throw a spanner in the works, then Leon Bailey is just as good as Jack Grealish. The fact that Aston Villa secured his signature for a fee of only just £30million is an absolute snip, because the forward on another day may well have been valued double that figure, so in actual fact its a superb bit of business from Dean Smith.
The club’s strategy in recent years have been nothing short of excellent often involved buying up some of the best players in the Championship, like Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia. Sometimes they have sought out players unhappy at clubs further up the English football pyramid, like Emi Martinez from Arsenal or Tyrone Mings at Bournemouth during Villa’s time in the second tier.
Image via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Rather less successfully, the club have shopped in Europe’s lesser leagues such as the signings of Mbwana Samatta and Wesley from Belgian sides.
However, Leon Bailey is a totally different proposition, arguably the most prestigious signing of the lot.
A player with bags of European experience, playing at the top level and Christian Purslow could have been forgiven for jumping for joy when the Jamaican forward chose Villa Park rather than a more elite-level club playing Champions League football, because to put it simply Leon Bailey is indeed a Champions League level footballer.
For donkey-years, the Jamaican international has been linked with a whole host of top level clubs in Europe, and much of that has been down to his superb form for Bayer Leverkusen.
Deployed as a winger, Bailey scored 15 goals in 40 games last season, claiming 11 assists. He was indeed amongst the most accomplished wingers in European football last term, but as a result of Grealish’s move to Manchester City, Villa fans weren’t as excited and optimistic about Bailey’s arrival as they should have been.
Make no mistakes about it, Leon Bailey can play. He’s a devastating winger, a real problem for opposing defences, not just because of his speed and drive but his scintilating trickery, swift change of movement and unbelievable ball-carrying skills.
Last season, Villa were often overly reliant on Grealish and looked severely weakened in his absence. The club are looking this season to keep the ball better, to progress the ball much quicker into the final third areas and most importantly convert most of their chances and with Leon Bailey, Villa now hold the qualities to kill three birds with one stone.
In fact not only do they have Bailey to address those glaring weaknesses but Dean Smith now holds bags of quality at his disposal including Emiliano Buendia, and Danny Ings.
The Villa coach aims to qualify for European football come May and those three players alone possess the ability to both replace Grealish’s influence and creativity in the final third but more importantly, fire this ever-progressive football club to the next phase of their proud development.
Bailey has so often divided opinion in Germany because of his lack of consistency or attitude but despite all his issues, he still managed to contribute considerably to Bayer Leverkusen’s gradual improvements in recent seasons. When he is on-song he is indeed unstoppable as Everton defender Ben Godfrey found out on Saturday despite Bailey only having just 11 touches during his 21 minutes on the pitch.
Certainly, the absence of Jack Grealish will still be felt around the Aston Villa faithful but possessing the qualities of players like Leon Bailey means the fans will indeed begin to heal once the Jamaican starts firing on all cylinders. His performance against Everton was only a pretty brief stint, but its a promising and a very pleasing evidence for Dean Smith and the whole club that they can now be allowed the freedom and room to progress and move forward post-Jack Grealish.
Villa fans now have something to smile and shout about. They have a new superstar in Leon Bailey.
The rest of the Premier League will have to stand up and be warned at the sight of the Jamaican winger.
New RB Leipzig head coach Jesse Marsch believes his side have “probably the most strength in depth in the (German) Bundesliga” ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season.
A bold claim made by Red Bull Salzburg’s former boss, but a claim that could well prove true in the context of Leipzig’s summer business. While supposed ‘title rivals’ Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have arguably grown weaker this summer, Leipzig have taken advantage through another period of steady growth, recruitment & development.
Ever since their rapid emergence on the scene in the German Bundesliga in 2016/17, Leipzig have been a breath of fresh air providing a huge sense of euphoria, energy and optimism around the country. The brand of football introduced by the Red-Bull has allowed the Bundesliga to now become one of the most entertaining leagues in the world.
The club didn’t earn their place into the Bundesliga just to make up the numbers. They have more than made their mark, only finishing outside the top four, once in the last five years, finishing sixth in 2018. In the last five years, they’ve finished second, third, sixth, third, third and last year finished second 13 points behind the ever-dominant Bayern Munich.
This season, they aim to go that one step further – towards an unprecedented first German Bundesliga triumph, ending Bayern Munich’s nine year dominance. Leipzig won’t be doing it with Nagelsmann though, who departed to their title rivals in May.
However, they’ve introduced a familiar face.
Arguably the club’s greatest capture this summer, American tactician Jesse Marsch returned to Leipzig, where he had been assistant to Ralf Rangnick in 2018/19, following a successful two-year stint in charge at Red Bull Salzburg.
Known for his fresh, vibrant and exciting style to management, especially his high-energy, intensity and counter-pressing attacking approach which will almost certainly give the Leipzig faithful more reason to be optimistic so soon after Julian Nagelsmann’s departure to Bayern Munich.
This summer, Bayern continued its long-held practice of snatching up top talent from its biggest German rivals, nabbing Nagelsmann and also star center back Dayot Upamecano after the 12-year-old club finished second in the Bundesliga last season. Bayern might not be done raiding either, with recent reports linking them to influential Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
Jesse Marsch left an exciting squad in Austria, soon after winning league and cup double to join an even much more exciting squad at Leipzig.
The American coach will be taking the reins of a side currently brimming with thrilling talent, including Dani Olmo, Emil Forsberg, Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol, Marcel Sabitzer (who could be on the move to Munich), Dominik Szoboszlai, a player Marsch previously worked with at Salzburg, and also Tyler Adams.
To add to that the new signings brought in certainly brings an added touch of sprinkle dust on a refreshingly built squad. Brian Bobbey, Mohamed Simakan, Josko Gvardiol & devastating goalscorer Andre Silva were brought in, while deals for Angeliño and Benjamin Henrichs were made permanent following their fine loan spells last season.
Such signings mean RB Leipzig are well equipped to push on and challenge former coach Nagelsmann at Bayern Munich for the league title.
“The players have tremendous potential,” Marsch told rblive.com. “I think we probably have the most strength in depth in the league. Theoretically, we could send out two Bundesliga teams. If we’re able to fully unlock that potential, we can have a lot of fun together.”
Indeed, the club and its fans are surely due a bit of fun, entertainment and huge optimism heading into their opening game away to Mainz.
In particular, the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Andre Silva, who finished second top-scorer last term with 28 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances – an astonishing goalscoring record. A move which addresses an area of the squad that had been lacking since Timo Werner’s move to Chelsea in the summer of 2020.
Silva’s unexpected signing is a move which will help bolster what was just the Bundesliga’s sixth most prolific attack in 2020/21 with 60 goals (compared to Bayern’s 99 and Borussia Dortmund’s 75). The Portuguese showed his extraordinary qualities in front of goal last year as Frankfurt narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot.
Silva felt a move to a Champions League playing team was an opportunity he could not turn down. Leipzig will be expecting the forward to continue his goalscoring hot-streak, especially with such superb and dynamic creative players behind him in Dani Olmo, Christopher Nkunku, Marcel Sabitzer and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The latter will be returning from a long injury lay-off , and will be eager to finally get started at his new club after being kept out since his move to Leipzig from Salzburg in the January transfer window.
Szoboszlai as Jesse Marsch already knows, is a player blessed with tremendous creative qualities, and could prove yet another difference maker in a side filled with players with the so-called X-factor.
In Jesse Marsch’s only full season working with Szoboszlai in 2019-20 at Red Bull Salzburg, the Hungarian international was instrumental in helping his side win the domestic double after the mid-season departures of Erling Haaland and Takumi Minamino and throughout his time working with Marsch, he scored 21 goals in 62 appearances.
As well as creativity, Leipzig are also blessed with much needed energy, dynamism and cutting thrust in midfield. Players like Amadou Haidara, Tyler Adams, Konrad Laimer, Kevin Kampl along with their talisman Marcel Sabitzer. Midfielders bagged with so much quality, certainly allows Marsch room to rotate in what will be a demanding season.
Possessing such midfielders means Leipzig will be a destructive team to play against, with their usual high-intensity, pressing and counter-pressing style, but with more need potency and creativity in attack. A perfectly balanced unit.
Leipzig will be looking to be within a shot of winning the league title when the time comes.
For the future, Brian Brobbey was signed on a free from Ajax – something Jesse Marsch heavily vouched for, even admitting that he visited the player in Amsterdam and told him that he was keen to work with him after the young Dutchman had doubts about joining following Julian Nagelsmann’s departure.
Additionally, Leipzig once again used the Red Bull connections to agree a deal for highly-rated midfielder Caden Clark in the winter transfer window from the New York Red Bulls. Overall, a busy but effective window, and there could still be another more accomplished centre-half coming through soon.
Despite the departures of Dayot Upamecano, and Ibrahim Konate, RB Leipzig find themselves well stocked at centre-back with new captures Josko Gvardiol who impressed at the Euros for Croatia, Mohamed Simakan, – touted one of Ligue 1’s most talented young centre-backs last term – Nordi Mukiele and the vastly experienced Willi Orbán.
Staying true to the Red Bull philosophy, the average age of their seven signings this summer is just 21.4-years-old, proving once again that they’re focusing on the future. It fits in with the kind of model Jesse Marsch desires to work with, young and vibrant footballers who are willing to learn and improve, with real bags of potential.
There are real expectations for Marsch and the club to perform well this season. A top-four finish and another Champions League berth are the minimum requirements. But whose to say they can’t challenge Bayern Munich, and even go on win the gong? The squad is certainly good enough and capable.
This season may see Bayern Munich possess their most weakest squad in a long time, and its an opportunity Leipzig will be looking to take advantage of.
They’ll be playing under a coach who knows what it takes to win trophies – unlike his predecessor.
In a short space of time, Jesse Marsch has become one of the most highly regarded managers in Europe after an impressive two-season stint with RB Leipzig’s sister-club in Austria, Red Bull Salzburg. Over the two seasons, he won the league and cup double twice, but more impressively, took Salzburg to the Champions League group stages – something they never achieved previously in the Red Bull era, starting in 2005.
There will be plenty of eyes on him, especially from an American perspective. American coaches haven’t always carried the torch well in Europe, and Marsch joins Stuttgart’s Pellegrino Matarazzo as the Bundesliga’s second American head coach. Matarazzo has impressed in recent years, taking Stuttgart up from the second division and keeping them there, and Marsch will hope to excel at a higher level in the table as well as in the Champions League.
Marsch has been open about his desire to press higher and harder than Leipzig did under Nagelsmann, telling reporters last month that the team “will be aggressive to win balls in the attacking part of the field and will be aggressive to convert those turnovers into goals and big chances.” That all spells such exciting news for the Leipzig faithful, who will also be hoping that the club can continue to match it with the best clubs in Europe.
The UEFA Champions League will almost certainly test Marsch’s squad and resolve given that they’re still a Pot 3 team for the group stage, things are unlikely to be smooth sailing. Above them are teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain team now including Lionel Messi, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter, Juventus and others, meaning there’s a good chance Leipzig will be drawn in a bumper group come September.
Nagelsmann took the club to the Champions League semi-final in the 2019/2020 campaign, a feat that Marsch can only dream of, but its certainly within his remit to have a go at matching.
With his focus on mentality, building a true team and fitness, it would be easy to label Marsch as a stereotypical American type figure; one who places emphasis on team morale, camaraderie and togetherness than tactics. But that is very futher from the truth. Jesse Marsch is a true tactician and technician. The American is intense and very much knows his tactics. He conducts all team business in German. He’s been in the Red Bull family for years.
Jesse Marsch also knows that most of his team already knows his system — it’s essentially what they played for years prior to Nagelsmann’s arrival. He just feels getting Leipzig past Bayern and to an unprecedented Bundesliga title will require a little something more.
The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend, and Arsenal still haven’t addressed their pressing need of acquiring an elite attacking midfielder armed in providing them with the creative abilities to take their game under Mikel Arteta to the next level.
Their pre-season friendly defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur was a game which showed a lot of promise, especially the new signings Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga who both put in dominant and assured performances as they continue the acclimatization into their new surroundings.
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
However, it was a game which looked all to familiar for Arsenal’s supporters, a lot of nice intricate passing around the final third without some real penetration to complement it. Emile Smith-Rowe has been a lovely sight for Arsenal fans, and a welcome one too. A very talented and fresh addition straight from the academy, but he cannot be relied upon to drive Arsenal into that brand new era, its too much responsibility and weight on his shoulders.
Both he and Bukayo Saka need help in those areas.
How the Gunners need the qualities of Mesut Ozil (in his prime), Cesc Fabregas or even Santi Cazorla again, players who were blessed in creating the unthinkable.
You hand them the ball in those dangerous areas, and its as if time stands still. That’s what Mikel Arteta needs right now, its what Arsenal need in order to challenge for those top four places again, or to go even further.
Arsenal are arguably in the same position Manchester United were before January 2020, lacking that incision and precision in the final third before they went out and ferociously addressed that burning desire, signing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon. Since then, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fortunes as Manchester United boss has dramatically changed – they’re on the upward curve.
Mikel Arteta needs to go out do the same, regardless of the potential risk and cost. Leicester City’s James Maddison is reportedly a top target, however Brendan Rodgers is in no pressure to sell and it would take in the regions of £70m to prize him away from the King Power.
Since James Maddison made his Premier League debut, only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances in the competition:
🥇 De Bruyne [252] 🥈 Maddison [230] 🥉 Alexander-Arnold [212]
It is a costly risk, one which could very much address Arsenal’s pressing need. Maddison is indeed one of the Premier League’s most reliable creators, especially in those final third areas, as shown above. But, Leicester City are unlikely to sell one of their most prized assets, especially so close to the start of the new season, and without a readied replacement.
Alternatives will need to be considered at the Emirates, quality ones too. So here’s a few cheaper, more attainable and arguably more acquired tastes that could blend in with Arsenal’s game perfectly:
Daichi Kamada, EintrachtFrankfurt
Arguably the best performing Asian footballer in Europe over the past year. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Japanese magician Daichi Kamada is a stunning footballer, an efficient workhorse and a creative maestro.
Have a look at Frankfurt’s attacks and you’ll see how pivotal Kamada is, he is at the centre of almost everything.
His movement, the positions he picks up, the space he occupies and the passes he delivers is simply sublime and a testament to his extraordinary understanding and nous when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.
The Japanese international may be something of an unknown quantity to some Arsenal supporters, but he’s a player who currently deserves some rich acclaim and attention right now.
5 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, as Frankfurt narrowly missed out on an unprecedented Champions League place on the last day of the season. However, it was a stunning campaign for the club and for Kamada personally, and the Japanese is sure to be on a number of top club’s list of targets this summer.
Mikel Arteta would do exceptionally well to consider targeting the source of Frankfurt’s goals.
Daichi Kamada moment of magic and brilliance vs Hertha Berlin was a joy to watch. Andre Silva gave a finish worthy of the move. Happy 25th birthday to the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder. pic.twitter.com/1Is6jqjVdb
Kamada is one of those players who manages to be technically impressive without being flamboyant. Carries the ball neatly, with some sumptuous little touches and swift shifts in direction, and he exploits passing angles and lanes in the attacking third in a way that’s so clever, intricate but unusual.
He’s a unique player, and another one who deserves to test himself at the highest level. 2.90 final third passes, 1.8 key passes and an astonishing 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 highlights his incredible efficiency and effectiveness in the final third. Kamada has so much to offer, not only in his skill, tenaciousness and technical qualities but in his application and willingness to learn and improve.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, AS Roma
Yet another uniquely gifted midfielder who surprisingly still graces the Stadio Olimpico.
Lorenzo Pellegrini is a Champions League-quality midfielder, who deserves to be playing at the highest level for one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. It’s a shocking surprise that no top club in Europe has managed to trigger his relatively low release clause which stands at around €30million.
Lorenzo Pellegrini would represent an outstanding acquisition for Mikel Arteta simply because of his devastating abilities in the final third. Pellegrini is a creative magician, a technically savvy orchestrator.
The 25-year old would be Arsenal’s very own ‘Bruno Fernandes-type signing’. A player who will fit in swiftly and seamlessly without no bedding-in period, without no teething issues because he is simply that intelligent, classy and decisive.
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.
In Paulo Fonseca’s system, he played the attacking midfield role, as a no.10 in their 4-2-3-1 shape or 3-4-2-1, operating just behind Edin Dzeko.
This role allowed him to become the team’s main source of creativity and a hub in which every attacking player can link with. 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.
Arsenal regularly deploy the 4-2-3-1 shape, in which Pellegrini could easily slot in behind the lone frontman. It could well mean Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns to the role up-front, simply because of Pellegrini’s superb ability to pick the unthinkable eye-of-the-needle passes.
The Italian would have been another key figure for European Champions Italy this summer had he not picked up an injury just before the tournament got underway, but he’s a player many cannot ignore.
2.18 key passes, 3.98 final third passes, 4.36 progressive passes and 1.42 passes into the 18-yard box per 90 just highlights Pellegrini’s astonishing abilities to dissect opposition defences at will. A no-brainer acquisition for Arsenal.
Houssem Aouar, Lyon
How Houssem Aouar is not on Arsenal’s list of priorities to fill that no.10 position is simply baffling, even to the Arsenal faithful. It may well be in part because of his latest disciplinary issues at Lyon, however, it is clear the player desires a new challenge elsewhere and Lyon are indeed resigned to losing him in the the near future.
It is an opportunity Arsenal cannot afford to pass up on. Houssem Aouar is a player blessed with such extraordinary technical qualities.
A meticulous ball-player, harnessing the uniqueness of when to hold on to the ball, and when to release it. His amazing sense of gravity and close control means its difficult for his markers to have an understanding of where he’s going or when to dispossess him.
Mikel Arteta craves a player who goes about performing risks in the final third, or taking people on to create space for himself and his forwards. Aouar possesses those unique qualities. He averaged 7.00 progressive carries and 2.47 carries into the final third last season, better than all of Arsenal’s attacking options.
The midfielder also holds such fantastic spatial awareness and capacity to switch directions in an instant. If he finds there’s nowhere to go when dribbling, he’ll instantly change direction with a swift drop of the shoulder and such crisp close control.
Whenever, the ball is at Aouar’s feet, his teammates know something special is about to happen especially within the attacking third. Per 90 last season, he averaged 6 passes into the final third meaning he plays risky passes with such considerable regularity. Stats serving as a true indication as to his incredible expertise in creating chances, further shown through his 5.10 shot-creating actions per90 too.
The 23-year-old only recorded three assists in Ligue 1 last year which is very surprising considering his invention and imagination in the final third, but he’s importance and influence in those areas for Lyon were very stark.
As soon as he picks up the ball, he already has a picture of what he’s going to do, whether to dribble past opponents, or dissect an eye of the needle pass to his forwards. No matter the amount of opponents around him, Aouar holds the balance, silky footwork and quickness of thought required to conjure up magic despite being under pressure.
His ball-carrying capabilities could prove vital to Arsenal’s system, allowing them to get out of trouble but most importantly in creating opportunities and openings in the final third.
Houssem Aouar is also a meticulous and imaginative number 8, and if 4-3-3 really is Arteta’s preferred formation then the French international will potentially fit in seamlessly.
Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig’s new coach Jesse Marsch admitted that midfield dynamo Marcel Sabitzer’s future will lie away from Leipzig in the near future, and considering the price the Austrian is currently valued at, Arsenal would do very very well in recruiting his services.
The 26-year-old is available for a cut-price deal at just €18million, an extraordinary bargain, and whoever captures him could well be rewarded with the ‘smartest buy of the summer’ gong.
Marcel Sabitzer is a wonderful midfield performer, but a very orthodox one. To the eye, he’s your regular midfielder who is energetic, technically very good and has a good eye for the pass, but what stands him out so well is that he performs such roles with great application, professionalism and a real cutting edge that even the best teams on the continent would kill for.
He’s very versatile, capable of playing at no.10. at no.8, as a no.6 or even as a left-winger. Sabitzer is so good to watch. No matter where you put him on the pitch, he’ll give you his best.
Capable of cutting defences with such unerring vigour and precision, also capable of running at defences, linking well with his teammates and also holds the unique qualities of picking out the top-corner from all of about 35-yards. He is a jack-of-all-trades type player, and its no wonder new Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is so desperate to reunite with him, after possessing his qualities for Leipzig.
Not only will be brilliant for Bayern Munich, who also desperately need his services but he’d be brilliant for Mikel Arteta. He’s very cheap, attainable and arguably a better player than James Maddison – more consistent in fact. The midfielder averaged 5.38 passes into the final third per90 despite playing in a variety of positions under Nagelsmann, but that owes to his tremendous technical acumen in creating chances no matter where he is on the pitch. Sabitzer also averaged 2.13 passes into the 18-yard box and an outstanding 7.07 progressive passes per 90.
He is not afraid in conjuring up the most outrageous, if you need any evidence, just check out his extraordinary assist for Austria at the Euros, setting up Stefan Lainer with a ridiculous long-raking pass.
It’s that sort of audaciousness in the final third that Arsenal so desperately crave.
Carlos Soler, Valencia
Mikel Arteta will almost certainly be silly if he doesn’t try and recruit a player who is his splitting image on the pitch; Valencia’s Carlos Soler.
Valencia’s creative orchestrator has been due a big move for a long while and Soler is a player ready for the big leagues.
The club are in a bit of a free-fall right now both on the pitch and off it, and are reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of their big names at cut-price deals.
If that is indeed the case, Arsenal should roll the dice and prioritize the signing of Carlos Soler. A tremendously consistent performer, even if his club isn’t registering the points they need.
It’s clear Soler deserves a club who matches his qualities and ambitions. He’s simply too good a player to not be performing on the biggest stages in Europe, whether that is Europa League or the UEFA Champions League.
Despite Valencia’s struggles last season, Soler still managed an astonishing 11 goals and 8 assists in La Liga highlighting his significance to the team, but also his extraordinary abilities.
A wonderfully gifted midfielder who always gives his all in every match he’s involved in. Soler is incredibly versatile too, capable of playing at no.10, no.8 on the flanks and a deep-lying orchestrator, he’d offer so much variation and tactical flexibility when needed.
Soler is as creative as all of the names on this list, providing eight assists last year. He is simply a superb player to watch, and has been on Arsenal’s radar before. He outperformed his expected goals and expected assists, as well as providing 0.26 assists per 90 minutes which means he is one of Europe’s most consistent creators. 1.45 key passes and 5.20 final third passes only highlights his efficiency and nous in those dangerous areas.
Where Valencia would be without Carlos Soler is a matter for another day, but it is about time he moves on from the Mestalla and embarks on a new challenge elsewhere.
Arsenal could certainly prove the most telling environment for him to thrive in.
Manchester City have completed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100m in the biggest deal in English football history.
The 25-year-old midfielder joins on a six-year deal after the Premier League champions activated the £100m release clause in his Villa contract on Friday.
The transfer fee also breaks the previous record in English football held by Paul Pogba when he re-joined Manchester United for £93.25m from Juventus in 2016.
It’s a deal which also makes Jack Grealish the most expensive British footballer in football history, surpassing Gareth Bale when he joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2013 for £85million.
The deal marks a stunning statement of intent from Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as the Premier League champions embark on retaining their crown next season.
Jack Grealish has proved one of the most creative players in the Premier League since Aston Villa’s promotion three years ago, whether through his passing, his unerring dribbling with the ball, and his sheer will and bravery to take opponents on, its no surprise Pep Guardiola feels he is the right man to refresh his star-studded squad.
The Aston Villa faithful will of course, be gutted and disheartened at this move, after all Grealish has achieved with the club, not least his remarkable gifts and talents that have rescued them out of various difficult situations since his emergence in the first team.
….£100million for a player with fewer than 100 Premier League appearances, who has never played in Europe, never scored an international goal and who has missed chunks from two of the last three seasons with injury, is in many respects a truly remarkable deal… #avfc
Grealish has indeed become an iconic figure at his boyhood club, but certainly now feels the move to Manchester City, one of the best clubs in Europe and the best in England is one he cannot turn down, especially the lure of playing in Europe’s most prestigious competitions, the UEFA Champions League.
Also, playing under one of football’s most decorated coaches ever in Pep Guardiola is an opportunity many footballers right now would certainly kill for.
At 25 years of age, its an opportunity that doesn’t come around too often, so you’d almost forgive Grealish for making such a huge career decision.
While Aston Villa lick their wounds at the sight of Grealish’s departure, Manchester City and Guardiola will be licking their lips at the sight of possessing one of the best creators in the country and one of the most talented players this great nation has had to offer.
Now, Guardiola will be contemplating with both joy and anguish at how Grealish will fit in at such a talented and world class squad. How do you fit in both Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish in the same XI? How will Guardiola look to improve Jack Grealish? What qualities will Grealish bring, and how will it complement Guardiola’s style?
First and foremost, the 25-year-old will add more of a cutting edge to Manchester City’s play. Guardiola’s side scored 83 goals last season, the most of any team in the division, and possessing someone of Grealish’s ilk will only increase that figure even further.
They do say in a title winning team, that adding more quality to it and improving the following year means even more greatness and sustained success, than just sticking with the same batch of players. The whole squad becomes hungrier, competitive and more vibrant and Guardiola is doing just that with the capture of Jack Grealish.
Aston Villa’s great loss, is Manchester City’s great gain.
Without Jack Grealish last year, Villa only won three of the 12 games he sat out injured. He is a player of great reward, incision, precision, dynamism, cutting thrust and a skill set that proves so unique and masterful in comparison to his fellow English counterparts.
Grealish’s talent is obvious.
In terms of total chances created, chances created from open play and assists, Grealish is right in the midst of the Premier League’s most devastating creators.
81 – @JackGrealish has created 81 chances following ball carries in the Premier League in the last two seasons; this is more than any other player in the competition in this period, as well as the most across the top five European leagues. Game-changer. pic.twitter.com/m76HUmWJx2
Grealish created 70 chances from open play last season, second only to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (77). He also formed 81 opportunities following ball carries in the last two Premier League seasons as shown above. This is all from just 26 Premier League games last year, even. 6 goals and 10 assists from 26 games is mightily impressive.
3.42 key passes, 3.46 final third passes, 6.91 progressive passes, 6.18 shot-creating actions (the two offensive actions leading directly to a shot, through passes, dribbles or drawing fouls) and 12.6 progressive carries per 90minutes all highlight how effective and influential Jack Grealish was to the Aston Villa cause.
All of those stats may increase at Manchester City, which poses such a scary thought for City’s rivals this coming season.
Many of the chances Grealish creates come after he’s dribbled with the ball, and he led the Premier League standings for 2020/21 in that particular field. Only Harry Kane, Hueng-Min Son and Bruno Fernandes had more assists following a carry and only Son, Marcus Rashford and Harvey Barnes scored more following a carry.
Grealish played far fewer minutes than any of those players, apart from Harvey Barnes, which only goes to show how dangerous Grealish is and just how much he runs with the ball. Progressive carries usually occur in the opposition half, are greater than five metres and move the ball at least five metres towards the opposition’s goal.
Grealish is absolutely devastating at performing such roles. Only three players – Adama Traore, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Pablo Hernandez – completed more per 90 than Grealish last season, but none of them were as devastating and as decisive with their carries as Grealish was.
Last season, Grealish carried the ball into the opposition penalty area a staggering 80 times, 3.29 times per 90mins. 18 more than Raheem Sterling, 32 more than Riyad Mahrez and 48 more than Bernardo Silva, already highlighting how much he offers more than Manchester City’s current options. Again, all of these staggering statistics despite Grealish only playing 26 games. He also ranks third in terms of passes into the box per 90 (2.96), behind his future teammate Kevin De Bruyne (3.56).
Grealish compared to City attackers (2020/21)
Grealish
Sterling
Foden
Mahrez
Silva
De Bruyne
Games played
26
31
28
27
26
25
Goals
6
10
9
9
2
6
Assists
10
7
5
6
6
12
Chances created
81
39
36
44
27
80
Dribbles completed
65
66
38
45
41
48
Fouls won
110
41
34
30
18
31
Provided by BBC Sport
Interestingly, Manchester City were the team who performed the most carries into the penalty area last season with 68, more than second-placed Chelsea. When City players get into the box, they are expected to make things happen, effect the game and Grealish, Foden, Sterling, Silva and Mahrez are all in the top 10 for passes attempted and completed inside the opposition’s penalty area last season.
The ability to carry the ball at long distances, evade pressure, beat opponents at will as well as drawing so many fouls is a trait that appeals so much to Guardiola and the City faithful. Manchester City will be getting a player who will vastly improve their football next season. However, there is a caveat to Grealish’s game that Guardiola may look to alter.
Maybe most interesting thing from that perspective is that Grealish is probably the most individualistic player in the league – which makes him so exciting – and he's going into one of the most structured attacks.
As journalist Miguel Delaney so correctly points out, Grealish is allowed so much freedom and warranty at Villa, in that his game is expressed individually, being able to perform so many actions on his own which drives his team and gets them out of difficult situations. That won’t be the case at City, Guardiola calls on a more structured approach to his attacking play, its all about the collective rather than the individual, and that’s something Grealish will have to adapt to.
He may not be able to just get the ball and dribble all he likes – as he did at Villa – he’ll be asked to keep up the tempo in City’s passing, with breaking opposition lines and carving out opportunities in the penalty area. It will certainly be interesting to see how Guardiola may adapt to Grealish’s style or teaching the Villa talisman to adapt and adhere to his own.
Grealish will need to release the ball quicker than he does, and to be more attentive when working with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling. A major part of City’s superb approach was their ability to slow the game down with their subtle, intricate and decisive passing only to then speed it up at particular moments, taking advantages of spaces when they open up.
Defenders will be drawn to Grealish like he was at Villa, which means him winning free-kicks across the park could frustrate City’s build-up, with opposition teams reverting quickly back into a defensive shape. What’s so devastating about Grealish is his huge decisiveness once dribbling with the ball, which means City will only benefit, but they’d benefit even greater if he works on his game releasing the ball much more efficiently and more sooner.
The question on everybody’s lips will certainly be where Jack Grealish could line-up next season. Sources close to Guardiola say that Grealish could be deployed as a creative no.8 alongside Kevin De Bruyne in their customary and fluid 4-3-3 shape. With Raheem Sterling regularly deployed on the left, Grealish’s regular spot will be occupied, but there’s always a chance for rotation and flexibility.
Grealish in more central areas, as we’ve seen before is of course a devastating sight to behold. As soon as he picks up the ball, its incredibly difficult to get him off it – unless fouling him. At City, he may well be given more space to roam, with opposition midfielders occupied with Kevin De Bruyne’s ability to dissect opposition defences at will. If this is the case, Guardiola will be capable of breaching the most combative of defences from not just one area in the half-space, but two.
Both Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne are both destructive in those areas which gives the opposition much more danger than they bargained for.
Of course, Grealish could also expected to be deployed on the left side of City’s attack, his most common position, although with Sterling and Foden already on that side (and given the left-footed Foden finished last campaign on that flank) it is a very competitive area of the pitch for City.
The prospect of a Grealish and Foden partnership will be mouthwatering for any Manchester City fan, and there’s certainly been flashes of the pair when the two are on duty for England. Their superb ability to combine through delicious first touch passes and swift interchanging of movement could really aid City in cutting through opponent’s steep defences.
They would have no problems switching roles temporarily too.
How about Grealish and Sterling together? Southgate has tried that partnership with ruthless aplomb before, if you need any evidence just ask the Czech Republic.
If City don’t get in Harry Kane this summer, and Guardiola opts for a false nine setup, then Grealish could be unleashed in midfield alongside Gundogan with Kevin De Bruyne coming off the front-line. Why not Grealish operating in those false-nine areas too?
The imperious quality at Guardiola’s disposal leaves a lot of room for rotation and flexibility certainly, which means Jack Grealish will be thrust into a much more competitive and much testing dynamic than at Aston Villa.
Some will argue that the grass isn’t always greener, but its a move and challenge that Grealish will relish and be excited by. It will be incredibly intriguing how Guardiola mixes and meshes his various attacking options, especially if they do manage to get in both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane this summer.
Jack Grealish’s move certainly raises as much questions as answers as to how City could line-up next season and how his game could complement the team’s and vice-versa. It’s an exciting headache for Pep Guardiola to have. However, what’s certain is that Jack Grealish will improve City considerably, and on a more personal measure, Grealish’s game may well be taken to a whole new level under Guardiola’s tutelage.
This is a call to Manchester City’s Premier League rivals (not just the red half of Manchester)… be very afraid.
How City could line-up next season with both Kane and Grealish
Tottenham have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign highly-rated defender Cristian Romero.
Spurs increased their offer to £42.7m (€50m) plus bonuses, making a total package worth £47m (€55m) for the Argentina centre-back.
The Argentinian international and Copa America winner, 23, is Spurs’ primary target to strengthen the heart of new coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence for the start of the season in mid-August.
Romero, 23, will fly to London to complete his move, before agreeing personal terms on a five-year deal.
Club sporting director Fabio Paratici, who’s already making his mark in his new role, knows the player from his time at Juventus and sees him as a player who would suit the Premier League.
Cristian Romero is already being touted as one of the most prestigious young centre-backs on the continent, and rightly so. The 23-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign for Atalanta, being named the Serie A defender of the year last season.
In fact, he’s been an outstanding performer in the last three years after starting in Serie A with Genoa and getting loaned back there for a second season after Juventus bought him, which was a deal on Paratici’s watch.
The defender enjoyed a promising maiden Champions League campaign while on loan at Atalanta, also while helping them to a stunning third placed finish as a regular and commendable presence at the heart of Gian Piero Gasperini’s defence.
Spurs are in desperate need of a fresh input in their back-line, with the ageing Toby Alderweireld’s Spurs future uncertain, Eric Dier’s game declining, and Davinson Sanchez struggling to make a name for himself so far during his time in North London.
Cristian Romero provides the perfect solution to address the stark decline and underperformance in defence.
A tremendous breakthrough year, becoming a key figure for Argentina in their Copa America this summer, at the heart of their defence alongside veteran and former Manchester City defender Nicolás Otamendi.
Despite featuring in three of Argentina’s six games during the tournament, he played and dominated in the most important game of them all, in the final against fierce international rivals Brazil. The 23-year-old was fearless against Neymar and co. not giving any of them a sniff as Argentina performed one of their most impressive shut out against fellow South American giants.
Cristiano Romero was simply unstoppable, standing guard against the likes of Richarlison, Neymar and Lucas Paqueta, and showcasing why he is indeed one of Europe’s most impressive young centre-backs.
So what will Tottenham be getting?
First of all, Nuno Espirito Santo will be recruiting a defender who simply loves to defend. A no-nonsense type.
Cristian Romero holds an intriguing skillset. Elements of his game are true relics of a bygone era: he looks impressive as a sweeper, mopping up loose passes and breaking up attacks that threaten to get behind his defensive line.
He is no-nonsense, combative, aggressive tackles hard, picks up too many yellow cards (36 and three reds in three Serie A seasons) however, an element of his game which will be tested heavily in the Premier League.
However, with some quality coaching adding to maturity and high levels of exposure and experience, that part of his game will be more refined as he gets older.
As a sweeper, the 22-year-old is extremely alert to the play developing in front of him. In fact, he is so good at reading play that he made the third-most interceptions (81) of any player in Serie A last season, whilst also recording 5.51 tackles + interceptions per90 making him the best around performing such defensive actions.
He is happy to sit back, waiting to clean up loose balls or cover runs behind the defensive line, but he plays on the front foot too, stepping up to pressure attackers that take a loose touch, highlighted by the above per 90 tackles and interceptions figure.
The Argentinian centre-back also averaged 6.11 successful pressures per 90, meaning he isn’t afraid to step out of his defensive line to engage on-rushing attackers. He is quick, strong and agile but more importantly confident enough to win the duel. Already, he reads a much better upgrade on Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld, who aren’t as forthcoming and proactive in their approach.
(Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
Romero is aided by a superb athletic profile – he is 6’1”, incredibly agile, has an enormous leap (won 67% of his aerial duels last season), and covers the ground quickly.
The Argentine defender typically plays either in the centre or on the right of a three-man defence. It’s unclear as of yet to predict how Santo will set up his Spurs back four, but Romero will prove a valuable and unique addition no matter the defensive setup.
He thrived in a two-man back four at the Copa America against some of the world’s best attackers, so he’d be right at home in the Premier League.
Though, the creativity of the central defender in a three-man defence is often integral in kick-starting attacks, but Romero sometimes lacks the willingness to take on such a burden, often playing too safe – slowing down potential attacks in the process and allowing teams to set up their defensive structure.
He completed 90% of his short passes, whilst also averaging 2.40 progressive passes. As shown through Conor Coady under Nuno Santo, the England international regularly took the responsibility in instigating attacks with his swift long-raking passes for Wolves.
That’s not to say Romero can’t perform them, but to do it at an increased regularity will take some quick learning and maturity in his game if he is to perform Nuno Espirito’s Santo’s instructions to the letter. Who knows, Eric Dier may be asked to fulfil that role in the middle of the back three instead.
It is an element Romero can gradually learn.
In terms of his build-up play, Romero has been known to be very simple, safe but astute. In fact, last season his final third passing average and progressive passes shown some considerable improvement. 1.77 final third passes per90, and 2.40 progressive passes, from 1.57 and 2.10 the following campaign at Genoa.
Whether that’s because of the step up in quality between Genoa and Atalanta could well be a strong factor, though it shows that Romero is capable of stepping up his game when playing with much more quality players around him, as he did at the Copa America.
At Tottenham, that quality will only increase which also means the quality of his performances will increase too. At 23 years of age, Cristian Romero has so much room to improve and grow.
Assuming Tottenham get their man it could well prove to be one of the most astute pieces of business Spurs complete in a long while.
Everton confirmed the appointment of Rafael Benitez as their new manager on a three-year deal last month.
The former Newcastle & Liverpool boss, 61, becomes Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Goodison after the Italian’s shock move back to the Real Madrid post on June 1st.
Everton said in a club statement the Spaniard’s appointment followed “a robust and wide-reaching recruitment process” over the last three weeks, which saw “multiple interviews with several candidates”.
“I am delighted to be joining Everton,” Benitez told Everton’s official website. “Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the club and their desire to bring success to this historic club.
“I believe this is a club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great club achieve its ambitions.”
Rafael Benitez has received a mixed reaction from the Everton fanbase after news emerged earlier in June he had become the club’s leading target.
Everton also reportedly held talks with former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo – who is now the new Tottenham Hotspur boss – and also had an interest in their former manager David Moyes.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez – another ex-Toffees manager, Lille’s Ligue 1 title-winning coach Christophe Galtier and Eddie Howe were all also understood to be on their shortlist.
Having been handed the keys to Everton’s future, Benitez will be expected to create a clear identity that has been somewhat neglected in place of short-termism. In the midst of much supporter unrest, Rafael Benitez will have to navigate his way through it and stamp his authority on a club that has been through much turbulence in recent years.
The sudden departure of Carlo Ancelotti came as a huge blow to the Everton faithful. A decision pulled the rug from underneath Everton’s lofty ambitions and came as a major blow to Moshiri, who had viewed the Italian as the perfect figurehead to lead the club and the ‘Hollywood’ manager he craved.
But Real Madrid came calling again, and Ancelotti couldn’t say no. Now, though Moshiri will be tasked in giving Rafael Benitez what he needs this summer in order to take the club out of the uncertainty and into a new and approved era.
There are a number of gaps in Everton’s current squad that needs swift approval and addressing. Judging by Benitez’ past philosophies and ideas in the Premier League, he’ll be aiming to strike a fine balance between defence and attack for Everton whilst maintaining a pragmatic, organised and rigid structure.
Benitez is, in Moshiri’s eyes, the tried and trusted Premier League operator who can bring years of experience and an analytical, tactical mind to Everton.
In defence, a new right-back will be a priority for the club, a player who can be a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman who is out of contract next year. Whilst Mason Holgate has filled in at RB, there’s certainly a case for him fighting for a permanent centre-back spot after impressing there in the latter stages of last season. The same can be said for highly-rated, and new England international Ben Godfrey.
There may be also be a strong need for a creative midfielder, a no.10, with James Rodriguez’ immediate future at Goodison Park under question after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. Sigurdsson may be relied upon again, but it would not hurt for the club to search for a more hungrier, vibrant and fresher alternative, a signing for the future.
What does the future hold for James Rodriguez at Goodison Park?
Also, fast, direct and pacey wide options will certainly be a priority for the club, preferably one or two – as they were before Ancelotti’s departure.
Richarlison is one option, having featured on the left under previous managers – his work rate and quality will likely appeal to Benitez but lack of more quality options needs to be addressed. Iwobi has been a failure since his move from Arsenal, as has Bernard – two players who could be made surplus to requirements this summer, and eventually moved on.
The need for at least two wide players is arguably Benitez’ greatest need in order for Everton to have more variation, fluidity and flexibility in attack.
Up-front, Benitez will have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean – providing he doesn’t secure a permanent move to PSG – to call upon whilst Richarlison can also fill in when needed.
So in each position of need, who could Everton be targeting this summer?
Seamus Coleman long-term replacement?
Max Aarons, Norwich City
Despite Norwich’s promotion to the Barclays Premier League once again, its about time their wonderfully gifted full-back Max Aarons tests himself at a much bigger club. According to Sky Sources, Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton have all expressed an interest in signing the right-back and the 21-year-old represents the perfect candidate to replace Seamus Coleman for the long-term.
Whether Everton will be willing to pay the £30m fee required to secure Aarons signature from Norwich is another matter entirely. However, Everton must think about the now and the future. This is a player that will excite fans, breathe new life into a depleted squad and transform them tactically in the long-haul.
Despite his small frame and build, Aarons is a superb athlete, a real force of nature when he drives forward down the right-flank. A tremendous ball-carrier, pacey, and a player blessed with excellent vision. Aarons has proven a key outlet for Norwich in attack, evidently shown in registering 2 goals and 2 assists last season, and 2 goals and 6 assists during the 2018/19 campaign. The full-back averaged 1.4 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 2.3 long balls per game owing to his admirable qualities and bravery in the final third.
If he can keep up his superb upward trajectory while in the colours of Everton football club, we could be looking at one of the finest right-backs in the country. Remember, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus all held an interest in him last summer so Everton will be perfectly justified in pay such a large sum for Max Aarons. He will end up being worth every penny.
Denzel Dumfries, PSV Eindhoven
Despite Holland’s disappointing early exit from EURO 2020 this summer, their full-back Denzel Dumfries proved one of its stunning break-out stars. Two goals in four games, producing two man-of-the-match displays as Frank de Boer’s side stormed through Group C in top spot with three wins from three.
Dumfries was central to the Netherland’s blistering start and his agent will almost certainly be fielding a few phone calls from top clubs looking to secure his signature.
PSV are reportedly resigned to losing him before their campaign restarts in August and Everton MUST throw their hat in the ring and force a move for him – providing they cannot get the above Max Aarons, of course. He’ll potentially cost much less than Aarons and has valuable top-level European experience to his belt having just wowed fans at this summers tournament.
Ridiculously quick, agile, strong, forceful and combative, Dumfries is your all-action, all-round full-back. He’s just so relentless in his play so you’re not surprised to see him popping up at the back post for an attack before making a vital clearance at the other end when the opposition break, while his energy means he can do the job of two players.
Still only 25, there’s plenty more room for him to develop and improve, while playing in the Dutch league may take something off of his price tag which means he may cost around £15m – £20m. Dumfries will be worth every snip of that price tag, and also will address a serious need of real width and penetration on the flanks for Everton. They’d be mad not to consider him.
Wilfried Singo, Torino
Touted as one of the brightest young defenders in Serie A last season, Torino’s 20-year-old full-back Wilfried Singo is already being earmarked for great things. AC Milan and Liverpool have been linked with the Ivory Coast defender over the past couple months, a true reflection of the improvements and maturity he has enjoyed in his game throughout the whole campaign.
Singo, played in 28 matches last season, recording one goal and two assists, and has long been a key component of La Granata’s attack. The Ivorian plays almost exclusively at right-back, where he uses his pace and dribbling ability to push the ball up the pitch and create chances. Right-footed, Singo exploits space on the right wing and looks to play the ball into the box, averaging an outstanding 3.29 crosses per 90 minutes.
The defender excels at moving the ball up the pitch, ranking at the 86th and 91st percentiles for progressive carries and progressive carries into the penalty box among all “Big Five” European league fullbacks. He finds time and space as he advances, often looking for hitman Andrea Belotti to make a run toward goal.
Singo also averages 1.12 key passes and 1.65 final third passes per 90 again highlighting his terrific propensity to be on the front foot and create chances for his teammates. To thrive at a much higher level, he would need to improve his contributions towards his own goal but with more game time and belief in himself, that will come. He averaged 2.96 tackles + interceptions last season meaning he’s already so effective defending as he is playing on the front foot.
Though the young defender certainly has his share of weaknesses, signing Singo should be one of Everton’s shortlisted full-backs given his age, offensive ability and potential to develop. He shouldn’t be too expensive, despite Torino just beating relegation last season, but whatever the outlay, Singo represents an astute acquisition for any club looking to recruit any promising youngsters around Europe.
Creative no.10
Matheus Pereira, West Brom
How Matheus Pereira is still a West Brom player right now is absolutely criminal. It’ll be even more absurd if he isn’t snapped up by a Premier League club come the start of the new Sky Bet Championship season.
To put it simply, West Brom’s Brazilian maestro is simply too good to be playing Championship football right now, which means Rafael Benitez should be placing Pereira at the top of his recruitment list this summer.
Despite West Brom’s demise last season suffering yet another relegation from the English top-flight, it was a remarkable breakthrough season for their star man, Pereira. The midfielder notched an astonishing 11 goals, and 6 assists from 33 Premier League outings last season.
If there’s one thing the club could shout about over the past year, its the emergence of such a wonderfully gifted midfielder. The previous campaign – his first in English football – he hit 8 goals and laid on 16 assists which is simply extraordinary. The 25-year-old Brazilian is a creative machine, a serial goal contributor.
Matheus Pereira will add panache, quality and strong personality to Everton’s attacking football. Blessed with such superb vision, awesome technique, silky passing and a wand of a left boot. He won’t come cheap with West Brom stating that they will do everything they can to keep Pereira at the club, but that would be a disservice to the Brazilian, seeing as he is simply too good to be playing Championship football again.
Pereira is a Premier League player, a proven quality and Everton will certainly be stronger providing they secure his services.
Carlos Soler, Valencia
Rafael Benitez raiding one of his old clubs for inspired signings certainly won’t be a surprise this summer. One player who he could work wonders with in transforming Everton’s fortunes is Valencia’s key man and playmaker Carlos Soler. A player who’s been due a big move for a long while, Soler is a player ready for the big leagues.
Valencia are in a bit of a free-fall right now both on the pitch and off it, and are reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of their big names.
If that is indeed the case, Everton should roll the dice and prioritize the signing of Carlos Soler. A tremendously consistent performer, even if his club isn’t registering the points they need. It’s clear Soler deserves a club who matches his qualities and ambitions. He’s simply too good a player to not be performing on the biggest stages in Europe, whether that is Europa League or the UEFA Champions League.
If he was to go to Everton, he won’t be playing in either of those competitions but he’d be playing under a coach who knows what it takes to get there and deliver. Despite Valencia’s struggles last season, Soler still managed an astonishing 11 goals and 8 assists in La Liga highlighting his significance to the team, but also his extraordinary abilities.
A wonderfully gifted midfielder who always gives his all in every match he’s involved in. Soler is incredibly versatile too, capable of playing at no.10, no.8 on the flanks and a deep-lying orchestrator, he’d offer so much variation and a tactical flexibility when needed. Top clubs in Europe would be mad not to consider his services.
Where Valencia would be without Carlos Soler is a matter for another day, but it is about time he moves on from the Mestalla and embarks on a new challenge elsewhere. Everton under Rafael Benitez may just be the perfect new home for him…
Daichi Kamada, Eintracht Frankfurt
Arguably the best performing Asian footballer in Europe over the past year. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Japanese magician Daichi Kamada is a stunning footballer, an efficient workhorse and a creative maestro. Have a look at Frankfurt’s attacks and you’ll see how pivotal Kamada is, he is at the centre of almost everything. His movement, the positions he picks up, the space he occupies and the passes he delivers is simply sublime and a testament to his extraordinary understanding and nous when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.
5 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, as Frankfurt only just missed out on an unprecedented Champions League place on the last day of the season. However, it was a stunning campaign for the club and for Kamada personally, and the Japanese is sure to be on a number of top club’s list of targets this summer. Rafael Benitez is in need of a creative maestro and Kamada fits the bill.
He is a joy to watch. Kamada is one of those players who manages to be technically impressive without even being flamboyant. Carries the ball neatly, with some sumptuous little touches and swift shifts in direction, and he exploits passing angles and lanes in the attacking third in a way that’s so clever, intricate but unusual.
He’s a unique player, and another one who deserves to test himself at the highest level. 2.90 final third passes, 1.8 key passes and an astonishing 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 highlights his incredible efficiency and effectiveness in the final third. Kamada has so much to offer, not only in his skill, tenaciousness and technical qualities but in his application and willingness to learn and improve.
Everton would be incredibly smart in recruiting him. With Kamada in the fold, players like Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will only benefit even further.
Finally address their lack of width
Everton have lacked a decent wide player for a long while now, and it was an area of Carlo Ancelotti’s team that was in dire and desperate need of addressing. At times, Richarlison proved his only outlet in the wide areas, even though he held the tendency to come inside which meant his team often lacked with, direction, directness and cutting edge when breaking down teams, especially at Goodison Park.
Rafael Benitez loves his wide-forwards, because they are so essential to his philosophy because of their pace on the transition, and also trouble teams that are expected to power his. That means Benitez will certainly be looking for pacey and direct left-footers to play on the left flank and vice-versa on the right flank.
So who should Everton be scouting?
Leon Bailey, Bayer Leverkusen
(Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
An addition of consistent goals and assists from especially the right flank is seen as a key aspect for the side to grow next term, and that brings us neatly to Leon Bailey. The Jamaican is a ridiculous speed merchant.
The Toffees were certainly missing an injection of pace and creativity out wide all throughout last term. Not only do they need a pacey wide-player but a smart and creative one, and Leon Bailey is a top-tier candidate.
In 30 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in 2020/21, the Jamaica international bagged an impressive nine goals and eight assists.
Add that to a further five strikes and two assists from eight matches in the Europa League and it’s clear to see why a large number of Everton fans have already suggested the club should be looking in the direction of the 23-year-old.
Bailey has been on the radar of a number of top clubs in the past, not least: both the Manchester giants, Bayern Munich and Juventus which should be a stark indicator of the level and hype surrounding Leon Bailey.
When he is on-song, he is a frightening player for opposing defenders but a joy to watch for his own team. At times, his over-confidence gets the best of him, which means he flatters to decieve when the going gets tough. However, working under a shrewd and detailed manager like Rafael Benitez will only develop Bailey’s mentality and performance levels.
Borussia Dortmund are the most recent side to be linked with a potential swoop for Bailey, with some reports suggesting he could be a replacement for Jadon Sancho who is on the verge of joining Manchester United, so Everton will need to move swiftly.
The Jamaica international would certainly be an exciting transfer both on the pitch and off it if Everton were to look his way.
Arnaut Danjuma, AFC Bournemouth
One of the major challenges Scott Parker will face heading into his new club as manager is trying to keep stunning winger and Bournemouth’s key man Arnaut Danjuma in the Sky Bet Championship for another season.
The question posed to Danjuma will be, does he want a move to the Premier League right now or is he willing to wait it out for another year, aiding the club and Scott Parker for another automatic promotion push next season?
If the way last season ended for him is any indication, then Danjuma may already have his heart set on testing himself at a higher level this coming season, and if there is one Championship forward who deserves such an opportunity to make the grade then its him.
The Dutch winger has been superb for Bournemouth since his move from Club Brugges two years ago. He notched an outstanding 17 goals and 7 assists from 35 outings last season, and has already stated he has ‘outgrown’ the Championship. Spanish Europa League winners Villareal have reportedly had a bid rejected by Bournemouth, and may well return with an improved offer.
An immediate Premier League move is certainly on the horizon for the forward too, and there may not be a better place for him to develop even further than at Everton under Rafa Benitez. Pacey, direct, blessed with stunning trickery, vision, and capable of playing on the left-flank or on the right, Arnaut Danjuma is already arguably a top-tier Premier League player.
Danjuma brings variety, flexibility and decisiveness in the final third; three characteristics Everton desperately need to improve next season.
Arnaut Danjuma deserves his chance at the top level, and that opportunity to finally make the grade is certainly now.
Luis Diaz, FC Porto
4 goals in 5 games in the Copa America for Luis Diaz as Colombia finished third in the South American tournament. This is a player who deserves much acclaim and attention right now, a player full of highlight reels because of his impeccable audaciousness, trickery, courage, skill, technique and electrifying pace. If you need any indication of his raw abilities, just check his goal against Brazil during the competition. An extraordinary overhead kick which flew past Weverton in the Brazilian goal.
FC Porto will be attempting everything in their power to keep Diaz at the Estádio do Dragão next season, but the 24-year-old’s peerless qualities certainly deserves a bigger stage, and after the summer he’s had, he certainly won’t be short of a few calls for his talented services this summer.
Everton should take a huge punt on the winger, because they need a player like him, desperately. Goodison Park needs to be wowed again, fans will want to be excited in travelling to home matches and adding Luis Diaz to their roster will go a long way in addressing that desire.
Diaz certainly won’t come cheap, he’s simply that good a player. As well as his 4 goals for Colombia this summer, he hit 9 goals and 5 assists for FC Porto last season which shows he’s got substance as much as his immense trickery and speed. A decisive player who will certainly provide more highlight reels in the Premier League, assuming he arrives in future. It’s an exciting option Everton must consider.
Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace
Another player who will not come cheap if he is to be prized away, but its an option Everton will surely be considering as they have been in the past.
It feels like Wilfried Zaha has been trying to engineer an exit from Crystal Palace for at least five years, yet he still remains with the south London club.
At 28, Zaha is now in his prime years and his long-held desire of playing Champions League football is looking increasingly unlikely of occurring, with no top club currently scouring for his services.
So he may have to just settle for the next best thing, and that is at Everton who have been rumoured to be one of his potential destinations in the past, and they are sure to be linked with the Ivorian again. News has broken recently that Palace are prepared to allow him to leave for a relatively low fee.
According to The Times, “the club are willing to listen to offers above £35 million as they must pay 25 per cent of the profit on the deal to Manchester United.”
The risks are clear, why will Everton pay for a player who will probably not have any resale value in future? They’ll be weighing up the positives too: Zaha is Premier League proven, has the pedigree and will settle right in at Goodison Park offering Benitez and the club what they’ve needed for a long while, and that is pace, quality, directness and flair on the right-flank.
However, while the Ivory Coast international might not initially seem like a good fit for the new Everton manager, there are facets of his game which look likely to appeal. It’s fair to wonder if he has the discipline to perform within Benitez’ all-important tactical structure though.
Roy Hodgson once said: “Wilf Zaha is a player who doesn’t have roles,” but he absolutely would have one designated to him under the meticulous and shrewd Benitez and would unquestionably be expected to stick to it.
The player’s versatility would appeal to the Spaniard, with Zaha capable of playing either centrally or in wide areas, and his willingness to defend from the front is certain to be a point in his favour too.
It is time Zaha tested himself elsewhere, he isn’t getting any younger.
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