As reported by Sky Sports in a segment from Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan, Everton are amongst a number of clubs who have scouted Ajax’s box-to-box midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The Dutch international is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League rather than a switch to the Bundesliga or Serie A, and van der Kraan said that if he had to put money on any Ajax player leaving this summer, it would be placed on the 22-year-old.
Who is he?
Van de Beek enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018/19, amassing some absolutely astonishing numbers.
He hit 17 goals from midfield, and also recorded an impressive 13 assists including some vital strikes in Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-final.
Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…
Despite those excellent numbers, would he even get in Marco Silva’s first choice midfield if he ended up at Goodison Park?
It may be a ludicrous question to pose about a player who is also being courted by the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool, but there is sense to it.
The Toffees seem close to completing the signing of last term’s loan hero Andre Gomes on a permanent basis, and he would almost definitely slot straight back into Silva’s two-man midfield alongside the reliable Idrissa Gueye.
The pair struck up a truly effective partnership last season, where Gomes’ composure and classy ball work turned out to be the perfect foil for Gueye’s more combative, aggressive style.
Ahead of them, Gylfi Sigurdsson plays in a centre attacking midfield role, an area that Van de Beek can also play in as well as in the very middle of the park.
There isn’t much of a case to be made in dropping Sigurdsson for Van de Beek either. The Icelandic international was Everton’s joint-top scorer in the league last term alongside Richarlison with 13 goals to his name, and he is crucial to the way the Toffees play.
He would arrive with the aura of a marquee addition, but it doesn’t appear as though Van de Beek would even be guaranteed a place in Silva’s starting XI if he did sign for the Merseysiders.
SIGN POST: The latest instalment of the Transfer Tavern’s Introducing series takes us to St. James’ Park.
It’s a reality no Newcastle fan, or player for that matter, surely wants to face. Indeed, judging by the reaction of stars such as Federico Fernandez yesterday, it’s safe to say it was a dark day on Tyneside.
Frankly, the Spaniard was one of the few good things at the club which fans could grasp onto. Now, they’re left with nothing other than agonising uncertainty and Mike Ashley, who seems (per the Chronicle) no closer to selling the club than he was when he first listed it in 2017, despite interest from billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan.
The much-loved Champions League winning manager saved Newcastle from relegation for the second successive season this year, so it doesn’t take much to appreciate quite why some of the club’s biggest stars love him so.
According to the Chronicle Live, Jamaal Lascelles and Ayoze Perez, amongst others, have in the past come out to support Benitez and urge the boardroom to tie him down to a new deal. Sadly their wishes fell on deaf ears and Ashley, the man widely considered to be responsible for driving the Spaniard away, has all but destroyed any chance of redeeming himself.
While we don’t doubt that the departure of Benitez will affect the players, we suspect it could impact Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles the most. Why? Despite finishing in a lowly 13th place and facing relegation scares throughout the recently completed season, Newcastle had one of the staunchest defensive units in the league. The Magpies’ record of just conceding 48 goals – fewer than Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Watford, Manchester United and West Ham (all of whom finished higher in the table) – is impressive to say the least.
Indeed, you need only look back in time to appreciate the positive impact Benitez has made on the club’s defensive record. The Magpies conceded 63 times in 2014-15 and 59 in 2013-14 under Alan Pardew and John Carver. And just a year later, when Steve McClaren was in charge, they failed again to address their shortcomings when they shipped 65 goals. A figure which later led to their Premier League demise.
Looking at them now, however, and evidently Benitez has instilled some sense of order and pride back into the back line. In fact, since he was appointed in 2016, Newcastle conceded 40 goals in 2016-17, 47 goals in 2017-18 and 48 goals in 2018-19. The players look far more comfortable and regimented; performing with a level of confidence and panache which we dare say will go missing now Benitez has gone.
As it stands, Lascelles and Schar are Newcastle’s two key players at the back. They have produced an overall defensive average of 6.80 and 7.30 respectively on WhoScored, and have played a key role in maintaining the club’s Premier League status via their valiant efforts. It remains to be seen, however, as to how well the pair will cope next term when carrying the weight of expectation without Benitez orchestrating.
CALL TO ACTION: Newcastle United fans, do you agree with us? Let us know in the comments below…
This is the first instalment in Football FanCast’s Legacies series, which pays tribute to those players and managers leaving a compelling story behind as they move on to pastures new.
In the opening piece of Football FanCast’s Legacies series, we take a look at Juventus-bound Aaron Ramsey, who has left north London on a free transfer after 11 stellar years of service at the club.
The Welshman’s departure has been met with scepticism and doubt from most fans, as Arsenal’s number eight departs on the back of some of his best performances at the Emirates despite over a decade of service.
Leaving with many fond memories for fans to cherish, we analyse the midfielder’s legacy at the Emirates Stadium.
An Overview
Ramsey arrived at Arsenal from Cardiff as a promising young midfielder, beginning his love affair with the FA Cup in a final defeat against Portsmouth. His substitute appearance in the final was just the beginning of his journey in the competition, where he’d go on to write his own cup history in the following decade.
Before any trophy was lifted, Ramsey suffered a major set-back. In February 2010, the midfielder was stretchered off after Ryan Shawcross’ horror challenge left the Gunner nursing a broken leg – one considered too graphic for many media outlets to broadcast – for the next 12 months before an eagerly awaited return in another FA Cup appearance, this time at Old Trafford. While that particular tie ended in defeat, the Gunners later got their revenge at the Emirates in a 1-0 Premier League win thanks to Ramsey’s sweeping finish.
The Welshman’s best season came in 2013-2014 in which he scored 16 goals in all competitions, including the winner against Hull in a wonderful FA Cup 3-2 come-back victory, delivering Arsenal their first trophy in nine years. Ramsey returned to Wembley to play in two more finals and win a total of three FA Cups, two Community Shields, and even had his final bow with the England ground as he scored a tremendous goal in a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Stat Breakdown
Injuries have plagued Ramsey’s development and availability.
262 appearances in 11 seasons equates to an average of about 24 per season, which aren’t particularly low numbers, though the Welshman has missed his fair share of matches with short-term muscle injuries he’s never been able to truly recover from. Despite his fitness problems, he’s remained an integral part of the squad under both Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery thereafter.
A grand total of 40 goals and 46 assists in the league are excellent numbers, especially considering he’s often been used as a central midfielder with key defensive responsibilities, lining up alongside a more creative influence like Mesut Ozil or Santi Cazorla.
Ramsey’s reputation as a goal scoring midfielder blew up after his 2013/14 campaign, and he remained a steady goalscorer after that, registering 37 more goals in all competitions in the following seasons. In those years he remained a creative influence as well, bagging himself 38 assists.
Memorable Moments
Two moments in particular will undoubtedly stand out when fans look back at Ramsey’s Arsenal legacy: the FA Cup winners against Hull and Chelsea.
From 2-0 down, Arsenal pulled off a remarkable come-back to beat Hull 3-2 with Ramsey’s extra-time winner earning the Gunners their first FA Cup and major trophy since 2005. As the Gunners probed for a winner, Olivier Giroud showed great composure and awareness to back-heel the ball into the path of the on-running midfielder, who used the outside of his boot to drive the ball into the bottom near corner of the goal and claim the trophy for his side.
Ramsey went on to start in two more finals, beating Aston Villa 4-0 and Chelsea 2-1, the latter being a particularly glowing moment in the Gunners’ recent history.
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Antonio Conte’s men were newly crowned Premier League champions heading into the final and the odds were stacked enormously in the Blues’ favour, especially after Arsenal’s dismal campaign which saw Wenger’s side finish outside the top four for the first time in his tenure. But Ramsey and the rest in Arsenal pulled off a wonderful performance despite the surrounding negativity and injury problems.
Having led 1-0 for most of the game, Arsenal conceded to Diego Costa who pulled his side level, but moments later Ramsey was on the score board as his piercing run into the box was found by Giroud, who chipped the ball into the penalty area for Ramsey to head into the back of the net and secure a 13th FA Cup trophy for the North Londoner’s, making them the outright best FA Cup team of all time.
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What is his legacy?
The Welshman’s legacy is a culmination of inspiring moments.
He arrived as a youngster from a lower league, proved his quality and repaid Wenger’s faith in making bargain signings and promoting youth, recovered from a near career-ending injury, having to play through moments of bad form and serious criticism, before becoming one of Arsenal’s most important leadership figures.
His legacy lies within his commendable attitude, exceptional talent, and exemplary work ethic, but more importantly, in his journey to getting where he is today.
The midfielder has certainly had moments that some Arsenal’s legends would be proud of themselves. Compliment this with his sheer passion and love for the club, his unwavering commitment and professionalism and you’ve got a player who’s leaving with real love from the Arsenal faithful.
However, when it comes down to it, his ability and achievements don’t quite match some of the Gunners’ greatest of all time.
Legendary status is a bridge too far for the much-loved midfielder.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
On Thursday, Leeds announced the signings of two young players from Barcelona, Rafa Mujica and Guille Amor.
These two youngsters will join up with the Whites’ youth teams where another former La Masia product currently plies his trade, Kun Temenuzhkov.
What’s the story?
Victor Orta’s links to Spain have seemingly helped the Yorkshire club bring in some promising talent from their director of football’s home country.
One place where Orta seems to like shopping is Camp Nou as he has signed multiple Barcelona youngsters in recent years.
La Blaugrana have an incredible track record of producing some of the world’s best talents such as Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, and the Yorkshire club have been looking to poach some of these players while they’re still developing.
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Could strike gold
It’s easy to think that United are just signing up Barca’s rejects and cast-offs that the club don’t see any value in, and while that may be true it doesn’t mean that they won’t one day turn into great players.
For all of the future stars to have played in the famous La Masia academy, many of them actually made their names elsewhere.
Just in England, we have seen Pepe Reina, Cesc Fabregas, Hector Bellerin and Gerard Pique act as examples of players who left Barcelona at a young age only to go on to become top-class talents.
Of course, Barca do keep some of their best talents such as Messi and Iniesta, but they seem to be poor judges of potential at times having let the aforementioned players leave at such a young age.
If Leeds carry on with this policy of signing youngsters from the Barca academy they could very easily strike gold, as there are clearly future stars to be poached from La Masia.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
According to The Evening Standard, Manchester United legend Denis Irwin has claimed Aaron Wan-Bissaka will add some much-needed pace to the side and that £50m for a full-back will become the “norm”.
What did he say?
The most expensive defender in United’s history, Wan-Bissaka’s move from Crystal Palace saw eyebrows raised over the price tag involved. The England U21 international had a fine campaign at Selhurst Park though, and Irwin has now suggested that United’s signing of the right-back was necessary.
He said: “He is very quick, a modern day full-back in the fact that he was a winger and has played very, very well in the 15 months that I have seen him at Crystal Palace in a defensive role.
The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…
“There is a lot more pressure on him now, but hopefully he will be able to handle that. We needed a bit of pace and youth in the team. You have got to ignore the fee. I think £50m for a full-back is going to become the norm.”
Whatever the cost
Having conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were in dire need of a defensive rebuild this summer. Signing Wan-Bissaka from Premier League rivals Palace bought them a player who could quite conceivably enjoy a decade of first-team service at Old Trafford and become a regular fixture in the senior side for England.
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On the rare occasion United looked like the team of old last season, they were electric, quick and devastating on the break. The performances against Tottenham and Arsenal were certainly glimpses that there was something there to work on. Bringing in Wan-Bissaka not only adds to the side’s defensive solidity, but as Irwin alludes to, brings in some much-needed pace.
The inflated transfer market means that prices are quite simply at a point where they don’t make footballing sense. Comparing how Cristiano Ronaldo cost just £80m a decade ago to Wan-Bissaka costing £50m in 2019 is supremely illogical. The increased premium on trying to sign British players certainly hasn’t helped United, but if the 21-year-old can give the Red Devils years of excellent service, then it could be money well spent.
Monday’s Aston Villa transfer roundup focused on the confirmed arrival of a defender, the end of the pursuit of a Championship goalkeeper and eyes on a former Chelsea striker. Today’s edition looks at a new shot-stopper target, news on a Manchester United defender and the failed enquiry for a Spanish international left-back.
Approach made for Heaton
According to The Mirror, Villa have made an approach to Burnley for Tom Heaton. Dean Smith and co have reportedly switched their attention to the 33-year-old England international after they decided not to pursue Stoke City’s Jack Butland.
Tuanzebe could return on loan
The Metro is reporting that Axel Tuanzebe will be allowed to join Aston Villa on loan this summer, but only if a new centre-back arrives at Old Trafford. The 21-year-old centre-back spent last season with the Villans as the Midlands outfit earned promotion to the Premier League.
Moreno chooses La Liga over Villa Park
Aston Villa enquired about former Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno earlier this summer, according to ESPN. The 27-year-old is now expected to join Villareal on a five-year deal. Barcelona, Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Zenit St Petersburg and Marseille all also made an approach.
Lots of Leeds United fans on Twitter are split following reports that Championship rivals Cardiff City have agreed a £4m fee – potentially rising to £6m – with Middlesbrough for centre-back Aden Flint.
The Yorkshire outfit have already seen Pontus Jansson depart for Brentford during the transfer window, which has left them with a real lack of depth at the heart of their backline.
Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi were paired together there for the pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Australia, with summer addition Ben White partnering 19-year-old Leif Davis back in England against Tadcaster Albion.
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The Whites have actually been linked with a move for Flint, who shot to prominence after scoring 14 league goals during the 2014/15 campaign, when he was a Bristol City player, but he ended up moving to the Riverside Stadium instead last year.
Eight goals in 39 Championship games followed, but now it appears as though the tall centre-half is on his way.
Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…
Leeds supporters on the popular social media platform are certainly divided over the potential transfer.
While one believes that it is an “opportunity missed” for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, another said “he’s not a Bielsa style player”.
It is understandable that the Elland Road faithful may be worried having lost one of their key men, but his pass success rate of 70.5% for Boro last term suggests he isn’t the ball-playing centre-back the Argentine manager likes to have in his side.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Aston Villa’s have made some tremendous strides in terms of improving their attack this summer.
Their first signing was that of Jota from Birmingham who has been impressive in pre-season, scoring twice last week, whilst they’ve also welcomed Wesley and Trezeguet to the club.
That, of course, was after they brought back Anwar El Ghazi too.
However, it doesn’t appear as though their efforts to bolster the forward line will stop there.
Sky Sports reported last week that the Villans and Newcastle were set to go head to head for Harry Wilson’s signature.
An update since claims that the Magpies have cooled their present, with the same outlet suggesting that it’ll hand an opportunity for Dean Smith’s men to pursue their interest in the 16-goal man further.
On the chalkboard
The fact Villa are keeping tabs on Wilson isn’t new after the club were initially linked with the attacker in June.
Sky Sports’ latest report suggests that an offer of £15m rising to £20m would be accepted by Liverpool for his services.
However, if Villa were able to bring him in it could represent a huge setback for one of their academy graduates in Andre Green.
The 21-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan with Portsmouth before being integrated into the Villa first-team again over the winter.
Green showed promising strides which included a late goal against Sheffield United but struggled for a proper run in the side, appearing 12 times as a substitute.
His chances of securing regular football in the Villa setup were likely to be limited with their promotion to the Premier League but if they bring in yet another winger after signing three already, the likelihood of him attaining regular minutes would be slim.
Last season, Villa had minimal wide options and thus, Green was able to make headway. However, this term looks as though it could be the polar opposite.
Smith has been keen to add bodies in an attacking sense but that doesn’t bode too well for the young winger at this moment in time.
If Wilson arrives, perhaps the youngster would benefit from another loan spell elsewhere.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Angel Correa from Atletico Madrid, per Calciomercato.
What’s the word?
Spurs have already signed Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon this summer but have not acquired attacking reinforcements, with Harry Kane and youngster Troy Parrott their main striking options.
Calciomercato reports that the club have shown an interest in Correa as they look to strengthen their attack.
Indeed, the two clubs have already done one deal this summer, with Kieran Trippier moving to Atletico for a £20m fee.
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A superb option
Correa has the versatility that is beloved by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Per Transfermarkt, he has played as a right winger, a second striker, a centre-forward and a left winger throughout his career and would add some genuine depth to the club’s attack.
He has scored 30 goals and provided 28 assists for Atleti in 188 games and is a player who could come in and ease the burden on Kane, while also becoming a rotation option ahead of the likes of Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela.
A deal would, of course, be difficult, with AC Milan and Valencia also said to be interested.
But if Spurs can win the race, they’ll be signing an excellent talent.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
West Brom were dominant in their 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday but ultimately in front of goal they looked rather lacklustre with the visitors scoring both goals in the game.
The Baggies, aided by a piece of misfortune on Alex Pearce’s part, took the lead just before the hour mark as the defender headed a Matt Phillips cross into his own net before striker Matt Smith slammed home an effort from close range which really could have been avoided.
Albion enjoyed 72.5% possession and heavily controlled the game but failed to really get going in forward areas.
The problem seemed to lie with £8m summer signing Kenneth Zohore failing to have much of an impact on the game – he recorded just 12 touches in his 57 minutes which was one less than his substitute Hal Robson-Kanu, who played just over half the time of the 25-year-old.
Zohore also fluffed the best chance of the game in what was his home debut – probably one to forget.
On the Chalkboard
The season is only two games deep but Albion are showing signs of encouragement – they look more cohesive and more organised but lack that cutting edge up top.
During spells last season, even when looking particularly poor, they’d be able to get by thanks to goals from the likes of Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle, who netted 46 in total.
It’s been the absolute contrast of that so far this campaign but their solution could lie in £4m deadline day signing Charlie Austin.
Manager Slaven Bilic brought in four new names on deadline day but none were able to feature on Saturday. therefore the best of West Brom might be a couple of weeks away.
The Croatian will be hoping he can get the former Southampton striker up to speed as soon as possible – a particularly hard task given the lack of a pre-season he’s had on the south coast with Ralph Hasenhuttl seeming to freeze out the 30-year-old.
Thogden ranks all 24 Championship home kits in the video below…
Austin’s record in the Championship is impeccable having netted 66 goals in 129 appearances across spells with Burnley and Queens Park Rangers, where he became a playoff winner in 2014.
Zohore may well be Albion’s number nine for the time being but that won’t last long if this current level of performance continues.
Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup opener against the very same team they faced at the weekend, Millwall, presents an ideal opportunity to give Austin and the other signings much-needed game time.