Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered a potential setback in his recovery from injury, posing further selection headaches for manager Rafa Benitez.
What’s the word?
The England international hasn’t featured since the 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on 28 August due to a broken toe and thigh problem.
Although the Toffees are yet to name an exact date for Calvert-Lewin’s expected comeback, there are growing concerns over a setback in his recovery.
A recent report in the Liverpool ECHO expressed such worries, claiming the versatile attacker could be on the treatment table for up to three months.
The report states that: “Rafa Benitez had hoped to be in a position to recall Calvert-Lewin to the squad in the coming weeks, but it is believed the 24-year-old may have suffered complications in his rehabilitation.
“Everton were asked about Calvert-Lewin’s fitness by the ECHO, but the club have yet to respond. There are some fears that the No9 could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks, but there is hope his absence will not be as long as that.”
Rafa Benitez surely devastated
News that Calvert-Lewin could face an extended spell on the sidelines will surely leave Benitez feeling absolutely devastated.
He has been their star man for a considerable period of time now, bagging 21 times last season and scoring three goals in his opening three outings this term. That was sandwiched by a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad as he played second fiddle to Harry Kane in the Three Lions side that reached the final a few months ago.
A fast start to the season from Everton is threatening to be unravelled due to a series of injuries to several key players, with midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure the latest to pick up a fresh problem.
The Goodison Park outfit suffered their first home defeat of the campaign last time out against West Ham United, and Benitez must fear more underwhelming results are inevitable as the list of absentees continues to grow.
And, in other news…Everton could be hit with a hammer blow after concerning report, fans surely worried
Arsenal are in the race to sign Tariq Lamptey this month, according to reports…
What’s the word?
The Express claim that the Gunners are ready to fight their north London rivals Spurs for the Brighton and Hove Albion wing-back, who has been a target for quite some time.
It’s thought that the Seagulls will want around £50m to let their star man depart the Amex Stadium anytime soon.
The north London outfit signed versatile full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu during the summer but it appears as if Mikel Arteta would still like reinforcements in the role.
Bye-bye Bellerin?
Indeed, the Spanish head coach is awash with options at right-back – aside from the Japanese warrior, he also has Cedric Soares and Callum Chambers, as well as fellow countryman Hector Bellerin, who is currently out on loan to Real Betis.
It would seem plausible that he would be the most likely culprit to go permanently, should Arsenal follow up their interest in Lamptey. This could be Arteta’s time to finally axe Bellerin after injuries and inconsistencies halted his time in north London.
Three assists from 16 appearances suggest he isn’t doing the best away from the Emirates Stadium, so Arteta won’t be missing him one bit.
In Lamptey, the Gunners would be getting an impressive talent capable of contributing at either end of the pitch. Since emerging in 2019, the £16.2m-rated Brighton dynamo has averaged 3.3 dribbles, 2.5 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 1.1 key passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League, per WhoScored.
This would show his ability to win the ball, carry it forward and then look to create opportunities – perhaps something that makes him a little better than Tomiyasu, who only averages 0.7 key passes per game in the English top-flight.
Standing at 5 foot 4, the diminutive defender also offers rapid pace and acceleration, and that helps him cause havoc up against his opposite number. “He is so fast. He has got the character, the attitude and the attributes that can affect games in the Premier League,” he said his manager Graham Potter (via The Athletic).
Elsewhere, Lamptey has been described as a “terrific prospect” and “phenomenal young talent” by Daily Mirror’s chief football writer John Cross, whilst BBC Sport contributor Premier League Panel dubbed him a “big talent” more recently.
So, on the above evidence, Arsenal could finally wave goodbye to the long-serving Bellerin, especially with him earning around £110k-per-week, if Edu Gaspar sanctions a bold £50m swoop this month.
AND in other news, Bye-bye Aubameyang: Arsenal eye £36m-rated “exceptional talent”, Arteta would love him…
Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has hailed the club’s supporters ahead of a potential record attendance for an Under-23 fixture on Friday evening.
The Lowdown: Elland Road ticket details
The Whites youngsters, now led by Andrew Taylor following Mark Jackson’s promotion to the first team, take on Manchester City tomorrow evening.
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Leeds gave season ticket holders and members the opportunity to attend for free up until April 12, with Beren Cross sharing on Wednesday evening that ticket sales are beyond 17,000.
The record for a Premier League 2 fixture stands at 17,525 – set by Everton in 2017, but it looks as if the Whites will surpass that figure before the weekend.
The Latest: Whelan’s comments
Talking to Football Insider, Whelan labelled the support as ‘incredible’, adding that this goes to show that an expansion to Elland Road needs to happen.
“That just says it all about our club.
“We knew we had incredible supporters, and this is just the latest evidence of that.
“It’s not the first time we’ve gone over the 10,000 mark – and that’s fantastic support.
“This sort of thing just epitomises why we need a bigger stadium. A lot of these fans can’t get tickets for the Premier League games.
“For me, this sort of demand just proves that an expansion to Elland Road needs to be in the works.
“It’s going to be a great experience for these young players to play in front of that kind of crowd.”
The Verdict: Bonkers
The well-known phrase ‘Leeds take more’ is sometimes mocked by opposition supporters, but this just goes to show how incredible the Whites faithful are.
Bringing nearly 20,000 to a U23 fixture is crazy, and potentially higher than a number of Championship attendances this weekend.
The club have teased work to Elland Road in recent years, and after this update, hopefully, they will make a start on plans to expand the current 37,890 capacity.
In other news: ‘In the coming days’ – Fabrizio Romano drops blow for Leeds and Orta as ‘agreement’ reached.
Aston Villa continue to make moves in the January transfer window amid reports claiming they are closing in on the signing of Dundee United starlet Kerr Smith.
What’s the story?
Writing initially on Twitter, journalist Scott Burns said: “@dundeeunitedfc defender Kerr Smith heads south to finalise big-money move to @AVFCOfficial.”
Then, in a follow-up article for The Scottish Express Sport, he added: “Dundee United have agreed a deal to sell Kerr Smith to Aston Villa in a deal that could eventually net them close to £2 million. The English Premier League side have managed to negotiate a significant transfer fee up front along with a number of major add-ons for their in-demand academy graduate.
“Crystal Palace, Southampton, Everton and Chelsea were all interested in the 17-year-old but Steven Gerrard’s Villa have struck a deal with sporting director Tony Asghar. The teenager has now been given permission to travel south for a medical, to agree terms and finalise his dream move.
Gerrard will love him
While the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne will no doubt play a major part in Villa’s first team over the coming weeks and months, the arrival of Smith is one for the future.
Indeed, in that aforementioned article, Burns added: “Villa rate Smith as one of the best young defenders of his age in the United Kingdom and very much see him as one for the future. He will be integrated into their under-23 squad in the short-term.”
Already standing at 6 foot, the 17-year-old has had his taste of first-team football this season for United, playing five games in the Scottish Premiership, including playing the full 90 minutes of a 1-1 draw against Celtic.
Speaking in April of last year, fellow defender Mark Connolly said: “Kerr, who played beside me, was fantastic. He’s 16 years of age and it’s incredible.”
Given the kind of project Gerrard is embarking on at Villa Park, the signing of a hugely talented youngster like Smith is sure to have him buzzing.
With the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Jacob Ramsey seeing some game-time in recent weeks, it’s clear the new Villa boss is intent on giving young players the chance to shine if they deserve it.
It’s exactly why he will surely be loving the prospect of coaching someone like Smith at Villa.
Meanwhile, this Villa target could be joining their Premier League rivals…
West Ham United have opened talks with Tomas Soucek about extending his stay at the London Stadium.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that West Ham have started negotiations with the 26-year-old midfielder regarding a new four-year deal.
The report goes on to state that, despite the fact the Czech Republic international’s current contract runs until the summer of 2024, the club’s hierarchy are keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal.
Fans will be buzzing
Considering just how “important” a part of the West Ham side Soucek has become since his €21m (£17.5m) permanent signing back in the summer of 2020, the news that the club are hoping to extend the midfielder’s stay in East London is sure to have left fans buzzing.
Indeed, during his first full season with the club last term, the £42m-rated man was in remarkable form over his 38 Premier League appearances, scoring ten goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.
The defensively-minded midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 2.7 clearances and winning 9.6 duels per fixture.
These returns saw the £67k-per-week dynamo earn a rather astonishing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as Moyes’ second-best performer in the top flight last time out – as well as seeing the 26-year-old win the club’s Hammer of the Year award.
As such, while many will be disappointed that West Ham missed out on a £50m deal to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window, the news that the club are working on keeping Soucek a part of their squad for the foreseeable future – amid reported interest from both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain – is sure to have appeased the Hammers fanbase somewhat.
In other news: “Can confirm”: Ex drops big claim on failed deadline day move, WHU fans will be fuming
Should Liverpool go on to win the Premier League this season, it will be interesting to see quite how this title bid comes to be remembered.
History always has a knack of recalling things slightly differently; sometimes that is due to the benefits of hindsight, retrospect and new information, but often its our ingrained desire for simplified, romantic narratives taking precedent over the accuracy of the nitty gritty. Constant inconsistencies and permutations are just too inconvenient to digest and retell. It’s much easier to shape events and themes around basic stories we can all follow.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – February 9, 2019 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk celebrate after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please cont
So there’s every chance this Liverpool team will come to be misremembered, because of our preconceptions of Klopp’s side going into this season. The Reds didn’t quite match Manchester City for goals last term but going forward – and especially in the Champions League – they were decisively rampant. Mohamed Salah set a new record for Premier League goals in a single season, Sadio Mane netted 20 times and Roberto Firmino seemed to be redefining the role of a centre-forward in a modern 4-3-3.
That’s how we like to think about this Liverpool side – an unrelenting attacking force spearheaded by a world-class front three, perhaps the best front three around in terms of quality and compatibility. But Liverpool’s season hasn’t been built around the supreme performances of their forwards; vast improvements at the other end of the pitch have taken them to the table’s summit with only 11 games left to go.
Klopp would argue that his teams defend from the front, and that Firmino particularly is as important out of possession as any of his centre-halves. But the numbers are telling – by this point last season, Liverpool had scored six more goals in the Premier League, and across all competitions the front three had netted 65 times. This term, their combined tally is just 44 (stats worked out via various pages on Transfermarkt).
Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – February 9, 2019 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp looks on as Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is substituted off REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please cont
Sunday’s Northwest derby seemed to capture the rebalancing of which players Liverpool are suddenly so dependent on in a microcosm. Manchester United – albeit a Manchester United drastically depleted by injuries within the first half an hour – could barely get past the industrious Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield to test the back four. But at the other end of the pitch, the front three that were so fearsome last season couldn’t find a moment of individual brilliance between them.
Of course, there are important caveats. Firmino withdrew through injury early on, so this was by no means Liverpool’s attack at its best. Likewise, due to the gravity of the situation, Klopp picked his sturdiest midfield, which somewhat limited the flow of supply into Salah and Mane. Nonetheless, you feel that the front three of last season, or at least the Salah of last season, would have twisted a few defenders inside out to pop up with a winning goal. Instead, both of Liverpool’s widemen produced their worst performances of the campaign.
And it inevitably highlights the contradiction behind Liverpool’s title bid; rather than the scintillating attacking football of 2017/18, defensive resilience and a new-found grit has got them through games.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v Liverpool – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – February 24, 2019 Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard in action with Liverpool’s Fabinho REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representa
But that isn’t how we’d like to remember them – historically, both Liverpool and Klopp are synonymous with excitement, entertainment, ambition and flair. The resident result-grinders, at least in the context of the Premier League title, are Chelsea, a club Liverpool are supposed to be the antithesis of. The idea of Liverpool winning the title ugly just doesn’t fit into our preconceptions and historic assumptions.
Perhaps the phrase ugly is a little overzealous, but Liverpool have certainly been a less beautiful beast than last season – immovable rather than irresistible. History, however, will unlikely remember them in that way; the two campaigns will be fused together, a brush of romanticism will be applied and while the impact of Liverpool’s defensive recruits over the last year will of course be acknowledged – chiefly Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson – the relentless nature of the front three will be in the forefront of our minds.
Thing is, they just haven’t been quite so relentless this time around, when history’s spotlight is firmly set on them. And history, eventually, will only recall what we want it to recall – a Liverpool side that always thrilled, rather than one that relied on being almost impenetrable.
West Ham boss David Moyes has big shoes to fill after the international break after Angelo Ogbonna suffered a major injury blow at the weekend.
Ogbonna blow
The 33-year-old centre-back sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the Irons’ 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon and he is set to see a specialist this week to find out the extent of the damage.
If it’s serious, he could be ruled out for at least nine months and as explained by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, it’s certainly a “huge blow” to David Moyes and the club’s ambitions this season.
He must find a solution.
Opportunity knocks
Luckily, though, he has the perfect replacement already in his ranks in Issa Diop.
Ogbonna has remained a dependable figure for four different managers in east London, having racked up over 200 appearances in over six years at the club.
A runner-up for the ‘Player of the Year’ award in 2019/20, only once has he played fewer than 29 times in any league campaign for the Hammers.
“Losing Ogbonna is a massive blow. He carried on playing, we didn’t think it would be that bad. We’re thinking of next season already. It’s bad news. Tactically, he is brilliant — a typical Italian. He organises, communicates and understands the game well,” an inside source revealed to The Athletic.
He had started all 11 of their top-flight outings thus far, so his absence will certainly be felt but why should it be Diop over Craig Dawson? The veteran was the Italian’s preferred partner before the arrival of Champions League winner Kurt Zouma.
A byproduct of the Frenchman coming in has been the surge in form from his fellow countryman, who was described as a “colossus” by assistant manager Stuart Pearce after their Carabao Cup win over Manchester United.
The 24-year-old beast, now valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, was once dubbed a “monster” by ex-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho for a similarly dominating display against the Old Trafford giants back in 2018.
Moyes has often opted for the experienced head of Dawson but Zouma and Diop would be a partnership to be feared.
In that win over United, the former Toulouse star recorded a match-high seven clearances and completely nullified Anthony Martial, whilst he has also delivered regularly in the Europa League alongside the Englishman.
Diop’s 2.5 tackles per game in Europe is only bettered by Declan Rice (2.8) and as Ogbonna makes the most tackles of any of his central defensive options, as per WhoScored, it would make sense to go for a like-for-like replacement.
It’s a golden chance for the Manuel Pellegrini signing to shine, even if Ogbonna’s absence presents Moyes with a massively cruel setback.
AND in other news, “On the radar”: ExWHUemployee drops West Ham transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…
Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as some news emerged involving their plans for the January transfer window.
As per The Express & Star, the Midlands club are now getting a cash injection of £23m by taking a loan secured against transfer funds due after they sold Diogo Jota to Liverpool.
They received part of the transfer fee up front with the rest of the funds coming in instalments, however, the money that they will now receive is not understood to be part of an effort by them to build up a winter war chest.
Bruno Lage has previously complained about having a small squad before, and with injuries at the back, as well as Willy Boly and Romain Saiss set to play in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ivory Coast and Morocco respectfully, reinforcements are certainly needed next month.
However, it looks as if none of the £23m coming in will be spent on transfers, much to the anger of the Molineux faithful.
Wolves fans slam transfer news
These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Wanderer even going as far as to claim that it was ‘depressing’:
“Depressing that it’s not for signings”
Credit: @aepearson02
“This doesn’t bode well for the January window does it? No wonder we were sponsored by the Money Shop a while back….pay day loans to keep the club ticking over. Open the cheque book Fosun”
Credit: @Retrowolves1
“Why on earth did we let him go on tick…make it make sense?”
Credit: @GladonK
“Bed.”
Credit: @wwfcglover
“What’s the loan for? Club are in a good position financially and it’s not for players in January so what’s the point?”
Credit: @Giddo_90
“Why doesn’t Liverpool cough up the monies instead they have had the asset best part of a year! I’ve never heard of a business taking out a loan in advance of a debtor paying an invoice – what a joke”
Credit: @stuartmblatch
In other news, find out why Wanderers players have now received praise here!
As per Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via Inside Futbol, an update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Torino defender Gleison Bremer.
The Lowdown: Centre-back eyed…
The signing of a central defender is reliably reported to be manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s top summer priority.
Indeed, as backed by The Athletic, Tottenham are eager to bolster their options in that position, particularly on the left side of the three, with an array of transfer targets having already been shortlisted.
Bremer, who has been in fine form for Torino this season, is one of them as news from the continent emerges.
The Latest: Tottenham official dispatched…
According to Gazzetta (via IF), a Tottenham official was recently sent to run the rule over one of Serie A’s top defenders as Conte personally identifies him as a possible signing.
It is believed, however, that his club could demand around €50 million (£41m) for his services.
The Verdict: Worth the money?
The Brazilian, highly regarded by Italian football experts, is also attracting interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Leicester, Everton and Newcastle according to reports.
Amid the competition, his price could rise even further, but Bremer comes as a really promising target nonetheless and it’s no surprise to see him on Conte’s wanted list.
Averaging the second-highest match rating out of Torino’s squad on average, none of their players have made more clearances or interceptions per 90 in Serie A this season – backing his colossal defensive ability (WhoScored).
Ex-Forza Italian Football journalist Rajath Kumar has even described the 25-year-old as their ’emerging superstar’, and if Paratici opts to invest significantly in his signing, he could be a coup for Spurs.
In other news: Tottenham sources now believe they’re in pole position to seal ‘top signing’ for Conte! Find out more here.
Ian Doyle has been left ‘disappointed’ by the display of Curtis Jones as Liverpool hosted Watford in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.
The Lowdown: Given chance
Jones was given his chance to impress from the start by Jurgen Klopp, ahead of the likes of Fabinho and James Milner in the centre of midfield.
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It was only his ninth start in the top flight this season, but he did not seem to be able to make the most of his opportunity, despite the Reds moving top of the Premier League with a relatively tame 2-0 victory.
The Latest: Doyle reacts
Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Doyle slammed Jones’ performance after he shot ‘well over’ the crossbar in the second half of the game:
“Jones has a run and although it opens up a little, he shoots well over. It has been a disappointing afternoon so far for the LFC midfielder.”
The Verdict: Not his day
It was clearly not Jones’ day, as that shot was one of two attempts that he put off target, while he was also wayward with three of his crosses (SofaScore).
Defensively, he lost out on five of his duels, and failed to make a single interception or clearance in the match, while he was also dribbled past and made a foul (SofaScore).
However, Jones was perhaps most ‘disappointing’ in possession, as he was guilty of losing the ball a total of 12 times, and given that he came off on the hour mark for Fabinho, statistically he gave the ball away every five minutes.
The 21-year-old Englishman will know that his starting spot is not guaranteed, and he will have to put in better performances if he is to be a mainstay in the side in the future.
In other news, find out what big transfer update Fabrizio Romano has dropped that affects the Reds here!