All posts by z3u9t.icu

Jurgen Klopp has brought through a whole raft of youngsters into the Liverpool first team since arriving back in 2015.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot and more recently Stefan Bajcetic all making their mark in the senior side in recent years, the Liverpool academy is bearing fruit that’s for sure.

Could the German be about to unearth the next big thing with defender Billy Koumetio? With change afoot ahead of next season, the 20-year-old may just emerge into prominence.

Who is Billy Koumetio?

The Frenchman arrived at the Anfield side in 2019 from US Orleans aged just 16 and his talent was obvious, with journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi lauding him as “promising” with the defender earmarked as a future first-team star.

It wouldn’t be long before he made history, with the centre-back becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever player to feature in the Champions League aged just 18 years and 25 days. Indeed, Klopp looked as though he had another prodigy in the making.

That day was special, particularly because the "incredible" young talent – as dubbed by his manager – happened to be a ball boy on the night of that famous 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield. Clearly, Europe's most prestigious competition already has a big place in Koumetio's heart.

Klopp signed Ibrahima Konate in 2021 and the French defender was looked upon as the ideal mentor for Koumetio, with the youngster aiming to eventually take over from him in the centre of the Reds' defence in the coming years.

He was sent out on loan to Austria Vienna this season to experience first-team football at senior level and after making five appearances he was recalled in January. During his short stay in Austria, he won 60% of his duels, made 3.4 clearances and one tackle per game, certainly proving he can perform at a high level.

The decision to terminate his loan early could be because Klopp wants to keep a close eye on the player as he plays for the U21 side and since January he has featured eight times in Premier League 2, scoring once.

Although Konate is just 23 years old, if he continues his fine form at Liverpool then there will no doubt be a host of potential suitors lining up to take away from the club and instead of spending millions to replace him, Koumetio could be ready to replace him.

With nothing but European spots to play for between now and the end of the season, Klopp may soon give some youngsters a run-out. The young French sensation could be the future of the defence and all he needs is a chance to impress.

Aston Villa are planning on signing two high-profile attacking players during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh report.

Are signings needed this summer?

The Villans have enjoyed an increasingly promising 2022/23 season, with Steven Gerrard replaced by Unai Emery, and both results and performances improving noticeably. They currently sit sixth in the Premier League, almost from nowhere, with four wins in a row coming their way in the competition.

While things are clearly going swimmingly with Emery at the helm, it is also important that new signings are made this summer, with plenty of funds hopefully made available by owners NSWE. The hope is that Villa can improve further after a full window in which Emery can sign the players he wants, in what feels like such an encouraging period at the club.

In attack, the Villans haven't always shone this season, however – Ollie Watkins is the only player who has reached double figures for goals in the league – so reinforcements in that area of the pitch are important, in order for Emery's men to become a greater force moving forward.

That looks set to be a primary aim in the coming months, following a new update regarding the club's transfer approach later this year.

Could big names be heading to Villa?

According to Football Insider, Villa are "planning to sign two A-list forwards this summer", with Emery making it clear that he "wants to recruit a centre-forward as well as a top-class wide forward". Excitingly, the reports also claims that the villans will be "one of the biggest spenders again in the main window despite massive outlays in recent years under owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens".

The aim is to acquire the services of a couple of renowned attacking players who can add "more cutting edge and goal threat" to the team, as they look to battle their way back to being a side pushing for European football every season, rather than one sitting in mid-table or even fighting relegation.

This is certainly an eye-catching update and one that should leave Villa fans feeling positive about the future, with NSWE showing real ambition in the transfer market.

In Emery, the club have an elite manager at the helm – one who has won four Europa Leagues in his career (three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal) – so backing him financially is something that makes so much sense.

Bringing in two big names could left everyone at the club, improving the players around them, and it will be intriguing to see who they move for.

Wolverhampton Wanderers would be open to accepting offers for Matheus Nunes amid interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, according to reports.

What's the latest on Nunes to Liverpool?

The Portuguese international only made the move to Molineux last summer meaning that his contract isn’t set to expire until 2027, but having impressed during his previous 30 appearances in the Midlands (prior to today’s game vs Chelsea), he has caught the eye at Anfield.

Back in January, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Old Gold midfielder held discussions regarding a potential move to Merseyside before joining Julen Lopetegui’s side. The Athletic have since reported that the Reds still retain an interest in signing the 24-year-old later in the summer as they look to revamp their central options.

The Mirror have claimed that the £44m release clause that the talisman had included in his terms when he signed has now been removed by the hierarchy so that they can demand a higher fee during the upcoming window, but this doesn’t seem to have put his admirers off wanting to secure his services.

Now, according to Football Insider, Liverpool are “still pushing” to sign Nunes despite the fact that his price tag will be initially higher than anticipated. FSG are “big admirers” of their target and are looking to take a second bite of the cherry after missing out on his signature to their top-flight rivals last summer.

Whilst Wolves would like to keep their 2022 big-money recruit, they “remain realistic” about the chances of that happening given their dangerous league and possibly financial position so it’s stated that an offer of £50m “would be accepted”.

Should Wolves keep or sell Nunes?

Wolves manager Lopetegui publicly praised Nunes earlier this year for his “good quality” and stated that he was “happy” with him, but as a result of him failing to make an impact in the final third, the club should cash in whilst they have the chance.

The Rio de Janeiro native has started 23 Premier League games this season prior to the Chelsea fixture so has been a regular feature in the matchday squad, but during that time, has scored zero goals and registered just one assist, lacking any kind of attacking prowess at the business end of the pitch, as per Transfermarkt.

Nunes also currently pockets £100k-p/w which makes him Wanderers’ joint-highest earner alongside Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho so sanctioning his sale would free up a huge amount on the wage bill and generate much-needed cash to fund potential new signings in the summer.

Liverpool are interested in completing the signing of Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram at the end of the season, according to a fresh update.

Is Thuram having a good season?

The Frenchman may only be 22 years of age, but he is already an integral part of Nice's team, enjoying an eye-catching season for them to date as Les Aiglons compete for European glory. He has made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 overall, scoring two goals in that time and also chipping in with four assists, while he was in Europa Conference League action in midweek as his side earned a 2-2 away draw against Basel.

Midfield is an area of the pitch that Liverpool simply have to focus on during the summer transfer window, with a complete rebuild needed in the middle of the park. Both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have looked past their best throughout this season, while Thiago is now 32 years old and injury-prone, highlighting why changes need to be made.

Meanwhile, the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are expected to leave at the end of the campaign, while doubts surround the future of veteran James Milner.

This highlights why new signings are desperately required in midfield, and with Jude Bellingham seemingly off the table now, Liverpool need to look at alternatives – and it looks as though they have one lined up in the form of Thuram, according to a new claim.

Are Liverpool looking to sign Khephren Thuram?

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are one of many clubs who are "dreaming of signing" Thuram in the summer window. They have been "seduced" by his performances for Nice this season and see him as one of France's potential next great midfielders.

Nice are demanding €60m (£53m) for one of their star players' services, however, and that price tag could rise further if even more clubs become interested.

Thuram could be exactly what Liverpool are looking for in the middle of the park this summer, as he possesses the technical quality and energy that has been so badly lacking.

He is averaging 1.5 tackles per game in the French league this season as well as an 86.4% pass completion rate – performing better than Henderson in both departments, albeit in a different competition. He has also averaged more interceptions per game than the Englishman and Fabinho, and given he would have youth on his side, there is an argument to suggest he could offer something to the Liverpool midfield in time, if not immediately.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded Thuram's "significant upper-body strength", his "excellent technique" and his impressive "ball control at speed", as well as "above-average vision & playmaking skills" – all of which could take the Reds up another gear next season and beyond when you consider the current midfield has vastly underperformed this term.

He may not be able to transform Liverpool's fortunes on his own, but if he was to be part of a number of arrivals in the summer, we believe could become an integral part of a team in dire need of a refresh.

Leeds United's embarrassing 6-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Elland Road ensured that the Yorkshire outfit have now conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League.

Javi Gracia's men seem to be free-falling back towards the relegation places after back-to-back heavy home defeats, with fingers naturally pointed at the Leeds defence following the concession of 11 goals in just two outings at home.

Jamie Carragher labelled the back four as "really, really poor" following the thrashing by Liverpool and suggested that many weren't good enough to be regular starters in the Premier League.

Therefore, Gracia will perhaps be wishing that he could call on some of the Leeds defenders of old for the upcoming seven games, which will define which league the Whites find themselves in next season.

One man who could arguably have prevented this defensive mess, and perhaps still could, is 2016 signing, Pontus Jansson.

Could Jansson have saved Leeds now?

The Swedish defender joined Leeds initially on loan from Torino in the summer of 2016, joining Garry Monk's side for the upcoming Championship campaign.

He made an immediate impression with the Yorkshire outfit and a deal was struck to make his deal permanent in February 2017, ahead of his contract expiry at the Serie A side that summer.

The former Malmo man would go on to establish himself as a fan favourite at Elland Road, making 120 appearances in all competitions, in which he contributed nine goals and four assists before his exit in 2019.

The 6 foot 5 defender was also a regular under Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion in the 2018/19 campaign, in a side which conceded just 50 goals in the Championship, the second-fewest in the division, which immediately suggests that he could have improved Leeds' current backline.

Jansson would controversially move to Leeds' promotion rivals Brentford in the summer of 2019 and has been a regular with the Bees in both the second tier and the Premier League, making 115 appearances in all competitions for Thomas Frank's side.

Upon his signing for the west London outfit, Frank said: “Pontus is a top defender who brings immense professionalism, a great attitude, experience, defensive robustness, leadership qualities, and threat from set-pieces to our side."

While Leeds shipped 79 goals in the top flight last season, Brentford conceded just 56, which again suggests that he is a superior option than the likes of Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk, who have all been culpable in Gracia's side this season.

The skipper can't even get in the squad this term, suggesting his days are now behind him after previously establishing a bullish partnership with the Swede under Bielsa.

Although he is returning to Malmo this summer to finish his career with his boyhood club, Leeds fans will perhaps be wishing they still had the powerful centre-back at their disposal, as his no-nonsense defending in the Championship proved far more effective than Gracia's current set up in the Premier League.

As Manchester United suffered a second-half collapse to slip to a 2-2 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, one man who was perhaps culpable in that late capitulation was polarising midfielder, Fred, with the Brazilian having struggled after entering the fray off the bench.

The 30-year-old is certainly not one to be found wanting with regard to his effort and enthusiasm – having been described as someone who "would give his last drop of blood for the team" by former boss Ralf Rangnick – although as Thursday's stalemate again showcased, the experienced enigma too often falls short with regard to his quality.

Previously described as "not good enough" for the Red Devils by club legend Roy Keane, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man notably lost possession on nine occasions from just 31 touches against the Lilywhites, while also winning just two of his seven total duels as a marker of his all-round woes.

The £120k-per-week asset – whose 6.1 match rating was the joint-lowest of any player for either side, as per Sofascore – seemingly 'brought no stability to the midfield battle and behaved without composure', according to 90min's Sean Walsh, with that perhaps explaining why the diminutive playmaker has not started in the league since the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.

That lack of regular involvement has come amid reports that manager Erik ten Hag could be set to move on the 32-cap dud at the end of the season, with that exit set to come amid something of a mass summer clearout.

While the former Ajax boss may be in the market for a new midfield addition ahead of next season – amid Fred's possible departure – the Dutchman could well already have an ideal asset in the academy ranks, in the form of 18-year-old, Dan Gore.

Who is Man United's Dan Gore?

The exciting teenager first came to wider attention having been "superb" as part of the club's FA Youth Cup success last season, according to Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston, having since been involved in first-team training on occasion this term.

In contrast to Fred, the promising Englishman appears to be able to thrive both in and out of possession, with his defensive quality, first and foremost, having been lauded by youth coach Mark Dempsey, who suggested that the youngster simply "smashes into people", such is his tenacity.

Also described as a "proper player" and a "leader" by Dempsey, the precious gem can mirror that impressive work ethic with quality on the ball, having been described as "technically brilliant" by Railston during Friday's draw with Spurs at Premier League 2 level.

The same can not be said of Fred, with the left-footer's woes in possession showcased by the fact that he ranks in just the bottom 37% among his European peers for pass completion, even if he does rank in the top 5% for tackles made.

In Gore, Ten Hag would seemingly have an asset who he could potentially build his midfield around in the years to come, with the £1.4k-per-week ace having been previously lauded as "one of the most talented youngsters" in the club's academy, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With it perhaps time for Fred to finally seek out pastures new after five years at the Theatre of Dreams, the 5 foot 7 man's exit could well be hastened if young Gore is handed an opportunity to impress in the senior set-up.

Rangers boss Michael Beale has been warned by Simon Jordan that he will get everything he deserves if he is unable to spoil their rivals' dominance over the coming months.

What has Michael Beale said?

The Englishman has now been at the helm of the Glasgow club for a number of months having joined in the latter stages of last year.

He made the move north of the border from Queens Park Rangers on the back of announcing that he would not be leaving the club despite the interest coming his way from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Yet, when the Scottish giants came calling, Beale was away and did not hesitate in returning to the club he had previously coached at under Steven Gerrard.

Since returning to Ibrox, the 42-year-old has been unable to close the gap on their city rivals who look set to retain the Scottish crown this season.

And the Gers will, therefore, end the campaign without a piece of silverware to their name having been dumped out of the Scottish Cup on the weekend by Celtic.

On the back of their struggles to flip the dominance in Glasgow, talkSPORT presenter Jordan has issued a warning ahead of the reaming games of the term:

(2:00) "I can cut him no slack, because I'll tell you why: because Queens Park Rangers gave him an opportunity. There was no queue of people to give him first team manager's job. He got an opportunity given to him by Queens Park Rangers, and there should have been a little bit more respect for QPR.

"And then he's gone to Rangers, so he will reap his own potential whirlwind."

"He's at the big boy's seat now. Away you go. The only job you've got to do is win at Rangers. And if you don't get it, you'll get precisely what you deserve. Your loyalty, your support, your backbone, your football nous took you to Rangers. Let's hope it works out well for you because you'll get precisely exactly what you deserve."

Can Beale turn Rangers around?

It has to be said, the Gers have not been in poor form under the Englishman but they do remain 13 points off their rivals and league leaders.

Rangers have amassed 55 points under the 42-year-old and have averaged 2.39 points per game which is certainly a respectable figure (via Transfermarkt).

Perhaps the issue lies in his inability to get the better of their city rivals.

Over the course of his time at Ibrox, Beale has now overseen four games against Ange Postecoglou's side and in those games all he has been able to guide Rangers to is one draw.

Two of those games have come in cup competitions which have ultimately played big roles in why Rangers look set to end the campaign without a trophy to their name.

However, he has also tasted defeat in the league which has enabled Celtic to increase their cushion at the top of the table.

There is certainly something in what Jordan says as Beale has taken a huge step up from QPR to manage Rangers and will leave himself exposed to criticism if it – ultimately – fails to pay off.

But it has to be remembered he is yet to have a summer transfer window at the club where he can really put his stamp on things before going again next season.

Manchester United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed somewhat of a rejuvenation of late under Erik ten Hag.

It looked as though his United career was up last summer as the Dutchman looked to move him on, he stayed, but played just four minutes of Premier League football up until Christmas, however an injury to Diogo Dalot meant he has been given a chance during the second half of the season, and he hasn’t looked back.

The 25-year-old has provided an impressive attacking output from the right side of defence, making 0.7 key passes per game and creating a big chance while succeeding with 0.9 of his attempted dribbles.

Wan-Bissaka has demonstrated his physicality across his 15 league outings so far by being dribbled past just 0.1 times per game and its clear Ten Hag has revived him.

Despite the recent turnaround in form, there are no guarantees to his future and the Dutchman may well be on the lookout for a replacement. He could save some cash however by turning to the academy, with Marc Jurado significantly impressing.

Who is Marc Jurado?

The 19-year-old gem has been at United since 2020 following a move from Barcelona and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2021.

His ceiling is seemingly limitless, especially after impressing throughout the youth groups, including both the U18s and U21s, where he has scored four goals and laid on nine assists. He was even called up to the first team squad for the tie against Nottingham Forest last month, giving him a taste of the matchday experience.

Not only has he shone in the Premier League 2, but Jurado has also experienced matches against senior opposition in the EFL Trophy this season and the player didn’t look out of place at all.

Across five matches, the Spaniard averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.9/10 as he took 69 touches per game and completed 33 passes each match, suggesting he was comfortable on the ball and looked to move it on effectively.

Like Wan-Bissaka, Jurado is also attack minded. He made 0.2 key passes per game whilst succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts, clearly proving how much a threat he is on the right-hand side, bombing up and down the flank with ease.

No slouch defensively either, the youngster made an impressive 3.6 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game while winning 58% of his total duels, adding a defensive solidity to his attacking prowess.

Journalist Shaun Connolly praised Jurado earlier this year by stating that he was one of the “notable names on the cusp of [the] first team," alongside such talents as Manni Norkett, Charlie McNeil and Joe Hugill and if he continues to impress, Ten Hag may already have his ideal heir for Wan-Bissaka right under his nose.

Glasgow Rangers have four games left to play in the Scottish Premiership before the official end of the campaign but will end the year without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The Light Blues have been knocked out of all the domestic and European cup competitions and their bitter rivals won the league title last week.

Michael Beale must now use the summer to build a squad capable of coming back next season to compete for trophies across the board.

Last month, the head coach promised supporters that the window would result in "the biggest rebuild this club has seen in a number of years" and this indicates that there will be plenty of movement, in and out, at Ibrox in the coming months.

Work is already underway as attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell is reportedly set to become the first signing of the summer. The gem has verbally agreed a three-year deal and completed a medical with the club ahead of a free transfer from Norwich.

Beale could now form a dream duo by swooping for another star from the English Championship to play alongside Dowell at the top end of the pitch in Joel Piroe.

Who is Joel Piroe?

The 23-year-old Dutchman plays for Swansea in the second division of English football and predominantly plays as a centre-forward.

Rangers have been touted with interest in the attacker ahead of the summer and his ability as a goalscorer could allow Dowell to thrive in Glasgow next term.

Piroe has plundered 19 goals in 43 Championship appearances for the Swans this season and his form comes off the back of producing 22 strikes in 45 outings in the division in 2021/22.

The £10k-per-week marksman, who was once hailed as a "danger man" by journalist Josh Bunting, has proven himself to be an excellent and reliable number nine at that level, which bodes well for any potential move to Rangers as he would arrive as a prolific goalscorer who is full of confidence.

Dowell, meanwhile, has created 23 chances and six 'big chances' for his teammates in 14 Championship starts for Norwich this season, after creating five 'big chances' in 12 starts in his previous campaign at that level in 2020/21.

The 25-year-old machine also ranks in the top 25% of players in his position for non-penalty goals and assists per 90 respectively in Europe's next eight leagues outside the major five over the last 365 days.

This suggests that the maestro is one of the most productive attacking midfielders around with his ability to score and assist goals.

Now, imagine Dowell providing Piroe with consistent 'big chances' to score from in a Rangers shirt next season.

hey could form an excellent link-up and be a huge part of the rebuild that Beale has promised, which is why the Gers must now swoop for the Swansea star after signing the Englishman from the Canaries.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli was lucky to still be on the field after his challenge on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma this afternoon, according to journalist Sam Pilger.

What did Martinelli do in Arsenal vs Brighton?

Arsenal knew that nothing but three points was good enough to stay in the title race, given that Manchester City recorded a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Everton to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table earlier today.

It was never going to be an easy game for the Gunners, with Brighton still vying to qualify for Europe, and Martinelli almost handed his side an immediate disadvantage, when he challenged for a ball in the air with Mitoma.

Football Daily’s Dougie Critchley claimed the winger’s elbow made contact with the Japan international, describing the Arsenal star’s challenge as “reckless and very dangerous”, but it went unpunished by referee Andy Madley and VAR.

Pilger also took to Twitter to take issue with the decision not to give the 21-year-old his marching orders, saying:

“I am speechless. That was a red card challenge from Arsenal’s Martinelli. He led with his arm and floored an opponent. And he wasn’t even booked! More inexplicable and spineless decisions from referees and VAR.”

Should Martinelli have been sent off?

It would not have been surprising if the Brazilian had been sent off, with Arsenal journalist Charles Watts also slamming the “awful officiating” from Madley, who chose not to even brandish at least a yellow card.

Watts was also critical of the decision not to punish Moises Caicedo for his challenge on the youngster later in the first half, which ultimately meant he had to be replaced by Leandro Trossard.

It was not the best day at the office for the referee, and while Martinelli – who only registered five touches – ultimately escaped punishment, he could’ve easily been sent off on another day, for what was a dangerous challenge, that there was absolutely no need to make.

With the game finishing 3-0 to Brighton after second-half goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan, Man City now need just one more win to wrap up the Premier League title, but Mikel Arteta will still want his side to finish the season strongly, with a trip to Nottingham Forest up next.