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…
No chance of history repeating itself.
That seems to be the view of journalist Richard Sutcliffe.
One Sheffield United fan seems to have some concern that this Blades might go the same way as Hull City did during their first season in the Premier League where they started off so well, only to end up surviving on the last day of the season, and being relegated the next campaign.
What’s he said?
Speaking during a Q&A on The Athletic, journalist Sutcliffe pointed out that there aren’t a lot of similarities between the side that Chris Wilder has now and the Hull side that went on such a dramatic slide back in 2009.
“The big difference between the two teams is United are much more solid than Hull ever were. Even amid the great start that included those wins at Arsenal and Spurs, Hull were still tonked 5-0 at home to Wigan in August. Difficult to envisage this Sheff United side suffering a result like that. I do still think there will be difficult times ahead this season but I don’t see United getting dragged in. Probably a 13-15th place finish.”
It’s still too early to say that though
It’s a comparison that we have made at FFC, as a way of pointing out that we shouldn’t perhaps be so quick to start anointing this side as the next big thing just yet, and that the season needs to play out a little bit longer before we get a true sense of what they’re capable of.
And whilst Sutcliffe has predicted quite the drop off from where they are now in the league, it’s a relatively reasonable expectation for him to have.
Whilst they haven’t had any bad results like a 5-0 defeat yet, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be immune from something like that later on in the season. The reason is that teams still haven’t had a chance to fully get to grips with this Sheffield United side because they’re still new to this division.
Wait until someone that is as notoriously thorough in their preparations like Pep Guardiola gets the opportunity to face them, or even simpler than that when the team’s they played earlier in the season get the chance to play them again now they’ve had a chance to see them first hand.
So whilst they may be flying high right now, it’s still far too early to get a decent gauge on how good this side really are until they’ve faced every test the top flight has to throw at them.
Newcastle United bore venom to rival that of Liverpool and Manchester City supporters when Manchester United belied their wretched 2023/24 campaign to win the FA Cup.
Erik ten Hag with the FA Cup trophy.
It was a momentous, job-saving result for Erik ten Hag, whose Red Devils had finished eighth in the Premier League and were set to miss out on European competition, save for an unlikely victory against Pep Guardiola’s winning machine.
The pertinence of this thread in Newcastle’s case? It meant that Eddie Howe’s Magpies, who had finished seventh, were pulled from their continental spot, with sixth-place Chelsea demoted to the Conference League and Man United earning a Europa League place.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
It carried the air of injustice that was a bleak fit for a campaign of suffering on Tyneside. Newcastle had dazzled during the previous term, fast rising in the Premier League and beating Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to a top-four spot.
Champions League fever held the bouncing city in its virulent grip, but Newcastle slumped out with a bottom-placed finish following some… you guessed it, injustice during a match against Paris Saint-Germain, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a more than contentious penalty to rise from the deserved jaw of defeat.
Jamaal Lascelles
Injuries lashed at St. James’ Park like an erratic lightning storm, heedless of Newcasle’s brilliant rise and precluding any chance of swerving second-season syndrome. Sven Botman, so commanding, so strong, is currently jailed to the sidelines by an ACL injury that will keep him out until the end of 2024 – or longer.
It was paramount that he was replaced…
Newcastle's failure to sign Marc Guehi
One bid, two bids, three bids, four. Newcastle proved to be a day late and a dollar short in their interminable summer quest to sign Marc Guehi, who is still situated in the Crystal Palace backline.
In all honesty, there are several ways to look at it. Palace chairman Steve Parish had all the negotiating leeway of a boulder blocking a cave, refusing to budge on his side’s £70m valuation of the England international before actually raising his price to £75m at the eleventh hour.
Newcastle teetered at the precipice of PSR rules this summer and were rightly reluctant to pay what they believed was an extortionate figure, but fans have been frustrated by the myopic vision that has failed to identify and act on signing an alternative.
England defender Marc Guehi
Oh sure, Lloyd Kelly was signed earlier in the year, agreeing to join Newcastle on a free transfer following the expiry of his Bournemouth contract in June, but the left-sided defender was needed regardless of Botman’s injury. A “monster” such as Guehi, as he has been dubbed by reporter Bobby Manzi, would have slotted in just so.
Guehi has been a key figure at Selhurst Park for several years but rose to loftier prominence following a brilliant Euro 2024 campaign with England, who were toothless in attack but certainly steely in defence.
Matches (starts)
6 (6)
Clean sheets
2
Touches*
82.8
Pass completion
94%
Total duels won*
4.0 (51%)
Tackles*
0.5
Clearances*
2.0
Ball recoveries*
4.7
Newcastle no doubt had various irons in the fire throughout the window, but that means little to supporters and indeed the manager, whose squad hasn’t really improved all that much.
That said, keeping hold of United’s holy trinity was the principal objective, and was achieved at that. Anthony Gordon continues to serve on the wing despite the interest of his boyhood club, Liverpool; Alexander Isak’s first-rate goalscoring provides a focal source once more.
Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak
The former, Gordon, was at the centre of interest from Liverpool in the summer and valued at £75m, which is quite a thing. However, he’s not the most highly-valued United first-teamer.
That would be Bruno Guimarães, the Magpies’ prized piece of silver.
Why keeping Bruno Guimarães was so important
Guimarães joined Newcastle from Lyon in a £40m deal, in January 2023. You could call him a torch-bearer if you like, for he was one of the first to arrive in a PIF-backed world and has been as influential as any in a rising football team.
Hailed as a “world-class” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the deep-sitting midfielder truly deserves all the praise directed his way, having chalked up 111 appearances, notching 33 goal contributions.
Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes
His fiery presence, dribbling skills and ball-playing quality have provided Howe’s system with the most reliable of engines. As per FBref, the Brazil international ranks among the top 10% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and shot-creating actions, the top 9% for assists, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90.
A combative approach to the midfield craft is reflected through his duel success across his four Premier League campaigns, ruling with an iron fist that enables the attacking success of the likes of Gordon and Isak.
Tackles
2.6
2.4
2.4
3.7
Interceptions + Clearances
1.2
1.7
1.4
3.0
Total duels won
6.2 (55%)
7.0 (57%)
7.7 (57%)
10.0 (65%)
Guimarães is a jack of all trades – and he’s a master of all. With such a complete skillset, it’s no wonder that some of Europe’s finest outfits were interested in completing a transfer this summer.
Bruno Guimarães' market value in 2024
Guimarães had a £100m release clause inserted in his Newcastle contract, though this expired during the off-season, with potential suitors failing to meet it.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City had all been linked in different capacities, but his continuing presence in England’s northeast and ascendancy to the club’s captaincy has been music to the fanbase’s ears.
It also means that the powers that be are free to demand whatever they like for the South American, but it’s definitely not going to be anything lower than the expired release clause.
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes
This means that Newcastle wield one of the most highly-valued players in the Premier League, some £25m more than Guehi and Gordon at the very least.
Newcastle’s wonderful six operates at an elite level, but he’s not a defender and his prowess doesn’t mean that failing to sign Guehi is fine, but it does mitigate the blow that he’s still at the club, donning the armband.
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes
The £160k-per-week ace – Newcastle’s highest earner – would prove to be one of the standout performers at an Arsenal, a Liverpool, a Manchester City, but he’s quite happy as the linchpin of his current club.
Guehi might remain in the capital, but with a more expensive and more influential player in Guimarães passing the summer window without a transfer, Howe’s side will be alright.
Newcastle flop who left in 2018 is now outscoring Isak & Haaland
His career has gone to another level after leaving St James’ Park.
Whilst they did manage to get deals over the loan to sign Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool were also reportedly in talks to sign another winger before their deal collapsed.
Liverpool transfer news
Aside from two late additions, Liverpool endured a quiet first transfer window under Arne Slot with their biggest moment the Martin Zubimendi saga. For a moment, it looked as though the Spaniard was on his way to provide the Reds with the solution at the base of their midfield once and for all, only to stay put at Real Sociedad.
Martin Zubimendi
Those at Anfield then decided that it was Zubimemdi or no one in midfield, opting instead to solve future problems with the addition of an Alisson replacement in Mamardashvili and a right-winger to compete or perhaps replace Mohamed Salah next summer in Chiesa.
After putting pen to paper at the club, Chiesa revealed his delight, telling Liverpool's official website: “I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player. When Richard Hughes called me and he said, ‘Do you want to join Liverpool?’ – and the coach called me – I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans. So, I’m so happy and I can’t wait to get started.”
Liverpool must regret selling a star with more PL goals than Salah in 23/24
He’s starred away from Anfield over the last few years.
ByEthan Lamb Sep 5, 2024
As it turns out, however, there was another attacking option before they turned to the Italian. According to Pumas president Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez, as relayed by LFC Transfer Room, Liverpool were in talks to sign Cesar Huertas before the deal fell through. The Reds reportedly planned to loan the winger to Sunderland, only for the Black Cats to fail in their side of the negotiations.
Having been in such advanced talks to sign the 23-year-old that they were already planning his loan move, Huertas may well be one to watch when the January transfer window swings open in the new year.
Liverpool don't need Huertas after Chiesa
Whilst at 23 years old, Huertas would be someone for years to come, Liverpool's best depth comes on the left-hand side, which the addition of Chiesa only added to given his versatility. Alongside Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Chiesa, the chances of Huertas breaking into Slot's side were slim to none.
The saving grace could have been the fact that Huertas can play on the right-hand side amid doubts over Salah's long-term future. As a player who managed 12 goals and nine assists in the last campaign, the Mexican may well be one of few players in good stead to step in and complete the near-impossible task of replacing the Egyptian.
Now, that task looks likely to go the way of Chiesa, especially if Salah does depart at the end of his current contract next summer as will be the case if nothing changes in the coming months.
Whilst they've not had the busiest summer, Arsenal have now reportedly reached a breakthrough in their deal to sign their second new reinforcement of the summer for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal transfer news
Of course, those in North London didn't enter the summer window in desperate need for fresh faces like they have done so often in the past. This time around, fresh from competing for the Premier League title once more, the Arsenal squad just needed the fine-tuning that Riccardo Calafiori will help to add.
The central defender arrived from Bologna earlier this summer, having helped the Italian side shock the rest of Serie A by qualifying for the Champions League last season.
Shock twist: Arsenal race for £85m star who'd be their best CF since Auba
The goalscoring “monster” could fire the Gunners to the title.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 22, 2024
The Gunners very much looked a side ready to compete yet again on the opening day of the Premier League campaign, easing past Wolverhampton Wanderers in a routine 2-0 victory, in which Bukayo Saka was predictably the star of the show.
Now, with just eight days left until deadline day, those at The Emirates are set to secure victory off the pitch. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have finally reached a breakthrough in their deal to sign Mikel Merino, agreeing a deal worth €32m plus €5m in adds ons (£27m plus £4m) with Real Sociedad.
That said, even with a deal reportedly agreed, Arsenal fans will likely have to wait until after this weekend's Aston Villa clash to see their new man in action at the heart of Arteta's midfield.
"Monster" Merino could finally replace Xhaka
Whilst Arsenal enjoyed an impressive campaign even in the absence of Granit Xhaka, who swapped North London for an invincible Bundesliga title win with Bayer Leverkusen last summer, replacing the Swiss midfielder could become the key to unlocking crucial silverware at long last. And that's where Merino should play a part.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has been full of praise for the Euro 2024 winner this summer, describing Merino as an "aerial duel monster" and dubbing the Spaniard "press resistant".
For just £31m and a reported £52k-a-week, Merino could quickly turn into one of the bargains of the summer if he replaces Xhaka and adds backup for the likes of Declan Rice in one swoop. Fresh from winning the Euros too, the midfielder certainly knows all about the top prizes.
Attempting to make it a third time lucky in pursuit of stealing Manchester City's Premier League crown, Arsenal have looked to add quality over quantity in recent months.
Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta remains keen on joining Inter Milan before the start of next season, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Is Azpilicueta set to leave Chelsea?
The £180,000-a-week defender has been a wonderful servant for the Blues down the years, proving to be a model of consistency and enjoying great success along the way.
Azpilicueta has made 508 appearances for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge back in 2012, winning one Champions League crown and two Premier League titles along the way, but it could be that his long stay at the club is about to come to an end.
The 33-year-old's current Blues deal expires next year, and rather than leave for free at that point, the Blues could accept that this summer is the right time to allow him to leave. The player himself also appears to be keen on a new challenge, with a fresh update emerging regarding the situation.
Writing on Twitter, Romano said that Azpilicueta still intends to join Inter this summer, despite interest from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao:
"Understand Athletic de Bilbao is not concrete option for César Azpilicueta. Personal terms agreed with Inter and no intention to consider other proposals, as of now. Two year deal in place but it all depends on Chelsea's green light to let him go as free agent."
Azpilicueta will unquestionably go down as a Chelsea legend, given the many years of top-level service he has given, being hailed as "amazing" by fellow Blues icon Petr Cech.
That being said, this summer does arguably feel like the right time for him to move on, in a decision that could ultimately end up suiting all parties. At 33, the right-back's best days are now behind him, with Reece James firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, and he will feel that he can enjoy one more challenge during the autumn of his career.
Getting Azpilicueta's aforementioned salary off the club's wage bill would also be bonus, potentially generating more funds for new signings, as Chelsea look to make a number of key additions before the beginning of the campaign.
Should the Spaniard end up staying on, it certainly wouldn't be an issue, though – he can continue to be a solid squad player – but it would be a surprise if that happened now, unless the club decide they want him to see out the remainder of his contract.
Steven Naismith has a big job as Heart of Midlothian manager this summer, not only to bring a few more players to the club but to prevent the good ones he has at his disposal from leaving.
Winger Josh Ginnelly was one of their bright sparks last term, registering 20 goal contributions – 13 goals and seven assists – across all competitions has been offered a new contract by the Tynecastle outfit, however, they are waiting on a response.
Three Championship clubs have reportedly offered him a contract and Maccabi Haifa also hold an interest in the player.
Keeping him could prove decisive to their chances of qualifying for the Europa Conference League group stages, which would give the club a monetary boost.
Naismith will also be aiming to rejuvenate some of the players already at Hearts, with defender Craig Halkett hoping to recover soon from his agonising anterior cruciate ligament injury that he suffered midway through last season, and he isn’t planned to return until the autumn.
Getting him back to full fitness will be the key priority for Naismtih, especially due to his importance to the club.
Could Craig Halkett be a key player for Hearts next season?
Former Tynecastle defender Andy Webster certainly thinks so, saying: “I think they definitely miss Craig Halkett when he doesn't play. I think he's a big player for Hearts.”
Despite missing the vast majority of the campaign due to injury, in the eight matches that he played, Hearts were unbeaten in seven of them, clearly showing how important he is to their defence.
Since joining Hearts from Livingston in 2019, he has played over 100 times while also netting ten goals from centre-back, a solid total and he enjoyed his finest campaign for the club during 2021/22 as they reached the Scottish Cup final and finished third in the Premiership.
Across 28 games, the £3.4k-per-week titan helped his side keep eight clean sheets while winning 6.9 total duels per game – a success rate of 67% – and making 1.1 tackles and 4.5 clearances per game, showcasing his abilities at the heart of their defence.
Steven Naismith
Indeed, Halkett ranked fourth in the squad for overall rating that season (7.14/10) while also ranking first for accurate passes per game (51.1) and clearances per match, while finishing sixth for tackles made each outing, further indicating just how important he was to the team.
There is no doubt Hearts missed the centre-back during his injury woes as they finished fourth in the league and the onus will be on Naismith to revive him ahead of a crucial campaign and get him back fighting fit.
Leeds United are finally rid of Andrea Radrizzani, and his exit brings hope for a brighter and more sustainable future in Yorkshire for this prestigious club.
Despite being the man to lure Marcelo Bielsa to Elland Road, leading them back to the Premier League, the Italian former chairman made some questionable decisions during his ownership which drew scrutiny from the fans. By placing their home stadium up as security in a bid to buy Sampdoria, he had burned his final bridge.
However, the 49ers were willing buyers of such a staple of English football, with their desire to gain an instant return to the top flight surely high on their list.
This is a task that will not come easy given the diminished allure of their outfit, so perhaps a shrewd acquisition in the mould of a top Championship player could be a more intelligent investment.
Fortunately for the Whites, Bright Osayi-Samuel is one such name who reportedly wants a return to English football after a spell in Turkey. Leeds could give him just that, given their interest.
Who is Bright Osayi-Samuel?
Although he left Queens Park Rangers for Fenerbahce back in 2021, the 25-year-old dynamo remains a highly-rated asset who boasts fine experience in the division.
Given the struggles faced in that right-back spot last term for the Whites, he could mark a top option to make them immediately solid in a position of weakness.
Whilst he has struggled somewhat this year, the Nigeria international did maintain a 6.89 average rating the campaign prior, upheld by an 88% pass accuracy, 75% dribble success rate and 1.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.
For comparison, Luke Ayling could only muster a 6.60 average rating, somehow outdoing his torrid 6.61 rating from the 2021/22 season.
Having spent two years in Blackpool and a further four in the capital, Osayi-Samuels' experience is vast despite remaining quite young.
Through the words of his former boss too, it is easy to understand why this would be such a masterclass by the 49ers, as he has shown form of shining within the Championship.
Mark Warburton once claimed:
"I thought he was very, very good. If you remember Bristol City away earlier in the season he gave the full-back a torrid time. He's been very good in spells in games but today he was consistent from the first whistle to the 75th minute. I'm not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that's the key for him learning the game."
luke-ayling-leeds-united
He continued:
"He's working so hard. He's got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful. Today he was outstanding and deserved the applause."
The £15k-per-week whiz clearlt has all the attributes of an electrifying winger, but the added intelligence to defend staunchly now.
He could utilise all these skills to return to England and help reinstate Leeds into the Premier League, marking a true transfer coup to help them cruise out of this division.
Newcastle United could be set for another summer of spending to bolster their impressive squad after securing Champions League football next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.
What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Tino Livramento?
According to The NUFC Blog, Newcastle are plotting a move for Southampton star Valentino Livramento this summer.
As per the report, the club's hierarchy have been in contact with representatives of the talented full-back and are also interested in his teammate Armel Bella-Kotchap.
Livramento is represented by the same football agency – Wasserman – as Eddie Howe and Newcastle stalwart Ryan Fraser, so it is claimed that clear lines of communication have been made in pursuit of the player.
Would Livramento be a good signing for Newcastle?
It is no secret that Howe is a big believer in nurturing young English talent, something he proved during his tenure at Bournemouth and has started to implement in his current team with England U21s international Anthony Gordon the latest to join the fold at St James' Park.
As a result, the signing of Livramento – who has a reported price tag of £40m – would make perfect sense for the Magpies manager and could even be the rightful heir to Kieran Trippier's huge role in the team.
Unfortunately, the 20-year-old – hailed a "great talent" by former Spurs ace Ledley King – suffered an ACL injury in April 2022 but did manage to return to the final two games of the season when Southampton had already confirmed relegation from the Premier League.
The rising star – who graduated from Chelsea's famous Cobham academy – played a key role in his breakout season with Saints over his 28 top-flight appearances, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating four big chances, as well as averaging 1.7 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.1 successful dribbles and 5.1 duels won per game, proving that when fit he is a consistent all-rounder on the right flank.
Indeed, the youngster is unlikely to come in and steal the starting spot from Trippier next season if he was to join the club this summer, however, with the England international now 32 years old and Livramento easing his way back into football after a horrific injury it could be the perfect opportunity to bring in an understudy who already has huge potential and top-flight experience.
With that being said, there is no doubt that Livramento would be a fantastic signing for the Magpies this summer and would give them a ready-made Trippier heir who can develop his craft and learn from one of the most experienced right-backs in the league to fulfil his true potential.
Aston Villa have been linked to a La Liga ace, in a signing that could bolster Unai Emery’s midfield this summer.
The Spaniard has enjoyed an emphatic first season at Villa Park, however, is on the path to exceed further expectations, having secured the club European football next campaign.
From Marco Asensio to Pau Torres, the Midlands outfit has been rumoured to be a potential new home for an array of stars in the Spanish top division, with the latest rumoured target following suit.
What’s the latest on Andre Almeida to Aston Villa?
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that the Valencia midfielder, Andre Almeida, has 'caught the attention' of Aston Villa.
The Portuguese midfielder is also rated by Brighton, with the struggling Spanish giants aiming to free up finances this summer to reinforce other areas of the squad.
The report claims the 23-year-old could be sold for a figure around €30m (£26m) after shining in what has been an abysmal season for Los Che.
What could Andre Almeida bring to Aston Villa?
Despite being part of a Valencia side still mildly threatened by relegation from the Spanish top tier, Almeida has settled into his surroundings impressively since signing from Vitoria Guimaraes last summer.
Likened to Newcastle United ace Bruno Guimaraes by FBref, the defensive midfielder enjoys a battle in the engine room, as well as being a strong distributor of the ball and competent in transitioning play.
Such strengths are supported by his numbers, with the 23-year-old “talented” gem – as per scout Antonio Mango – averaging 2.42 tackles per 90 minutes, as well as flexing his ability in moving the ball in averaging 7.11 progressive passes and 2.64 progressive carries per 90.
In La Liga this season, the Portuguese ace has maintained an accurate passing rate of 85%, and has secured four assists, showcasing his competency as a ball-playing midfielder – as per Sofascore.
The youngster could be a strong addition for Emery to introduce to his midfield, and could prove to be a perfect pairing for Boubacar Kamara, who has had his game time limited since arriving due to injury.
The Frenchman, like Almeida is a strong asset to have in deep midfield, branded as a “monster” by Villa pundit Ty Bracey, the 2022 signing showcases a more combative side to the art of the defensive role, which could balance the attacking expertise of the Portuguese.
While the Valencia star’s numbers are more influential in progressive play, Kamara is better defensively, averaging 2.94 tackles per 90 to his 2.42, as well as ranking in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for blocks per 90, with 1.92 – as per FBref.
boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-transfer-injury
Having a midfield pivot of two defensively competent players with one ball player is a combination for the ages, and one that has been successful throughout the history of the Premier League.
Take Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri for Manchester City this season, and Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for Arsenal, both duos are powerhouses in retrieving the ball, with one individual in each partnership excelling in playing the ball.
While Douglas Luiz’s position in Emery’s midfield is paramount, competition could allow the Spaniard to exercise what his best formation and combination in the middle of the park may be, making Almeida a strong contender this summer.
Leeds United suffered relegation down to the Championship last week as they finished 19th in the Premier League table with a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on the final day.
The Whites are now braced for a summer of change, as they remain without a manager following Sam Allardyce's exit, and that could include plenty of movement in the playing squad.
One player who could be on his way out of Elland Road is central midfielder Marc Roca, who arrived at the club from German giants Bayern Munich last summer.
The Athletic's Phil Hay has reported that an exit is 'likely' for the 26-year-old and that he could make a return to Spain, where LaLiga outfit Real Betis have been credited with an interest in his services.
Who could replace Marc Roca at Leeds?
U21 midfielder Lewis Bate, who has been out on loan at Oxford United in League One, could make the step up to replace the Spaniard next season.
The 20-year-old, who has played four first-team matches for the club, offers similar attributes to Roca in the middle of the park as he has the ability to create chances for his teammates from a central midfield position and has the defensive awareness to make interventions at the back on a regular basis.
In League One, the youngster averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.84 across 28 appearances and made 1.1 key passes and two tackles and interceptions per game for his side.
Roca, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 in the Premier League across 32 matches and made 2.7 tackles and interceptions and one key pass per outing for Leeds.
Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca.
This suggests that the pair, who both averaged between 79 and 80% pass accuracy in their respective divisions, are both combative midfielders who can also put their foot on the ball and use their quality to find teammates in attacking positions in order to create goalscoring opportunities.
Recruitment analyst and U18 specialist Connor Rowden claimed that Bate's ability to "control" games is "unparalleled" amongst his peers and this suggests that the academy gem could excel in the Championship in games that Leeds are expected to dominate in as teams potentially sit back in low blocks in an attempt to counter-attack against a side that was just in the top-flight.
He could use his ball-playing quality to wear down teams by rotating possession and shifting the opposition from side to side before utilising his creativity to play a killer ball to find a teammate in the final third.
The former Chelsea starlet's creative statistics in the third tier this season indicate that he has been able to translate his skills from youth level over to senior football and Leeds must now hand him an opportunity to showcase his talent in the second tier in 2023/24 after a full year of development under his belt.
Bate, based on his solid form for Oxford this term, could make the step up and save the club millions by coming in as a direct replacement for Roca, assuming the Spaniard does depart the Yorkshire side this summer.