All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Salomon Rondon scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season in Newcastle United’s 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool on Saturday night.

And the centre-forward again showed why the Magpies simply have to secure his signature on a permanent deal at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

What’s the current situation?

It is actually not that surprising that Rondon is having a good season when considering his form for West Bromwich Albion last term.

West Brom had a poor 2017-18 season as they were relegated from the Premier League, but Rondon managed 10 goals in all competitions for the Baggies.

Newcastle pounced to sign the Venezuela international on loan, but as it stands he will return to the Hawthorns at the end of the campaign.

West Ham United are believed to be interested in signing the 29-year-old, but Newcastle simply must activate his £16.5m release clause this summer.

Rondon’s 10 league goals at this stage shows his contribution, but he has also registered seven assists in the top flight this term and his performance against Liverpool on Saturday night was simply excellent.

The Chalkboard

There is probably not a better centre-back in the Premier League than Virgil van Dijk, but even the former Celtic ace found it tough against Rondon.

According to WhoScored, the South American had six shots and won eight aerial duels during his 90 minutes on the field against the Reds.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dejan Lovren also really struggled against the big striker, who netted Newcastle’s second with a super finish into the bottom corner.

Capable of scoring goals, running the line and holding up the ball, Rondon has done a little bit of everything for Rafael Benitez’s side during the 2018-19 campaign.

Liverpool have been defensively excellent for long periods of this season, which made Rondon’s performance at St James’ Park even more impressive.

And now it is up to Newcastle to secure his services on a permanent deal, but they are bound to face some serious competition.

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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to respond after it was reported that RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner would prefer a move to Bayern Munich instead of Liverpool.

According to Suddeutsche Zeitung (via Tribuna), the German international is keen to move to the reigning Bundesliga champions instead of teaming up with Jurgen Klopp, although Leipzig want double the €30m on offer from Bayern.

Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below…

Werner has scored 19 goals this season and recorded 11 assists, and would be an excellent addition to a Liverpool side lacking quality backup behind the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

However, despite that fact, a number of supporters on Twitter aren’t fussed about missing out on the 23-year-old, with many seemingly not a fan of his; they don’t appear to rate him all that much despite his impressive goal record.

Let’s see what the Liverpool fans on Twitter have been saying about the reported snub…

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As reported by the BBC, Nikita Parris has joined Olympique Lyon after her contract with Manchester City expired.

The all-time Women’s Super League top scorer will team up with Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg at Lyon, who just became the Champions of Europe with a 4-1 win over Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final – Hegerberg netted a first half hat-trick.

The 25-year-old will be leaving Manchester after more than four years of fantastic service for the Citizens.

Parris’ arrival will help form arguably the deadliest attack in Women’s football right now.

Who has been the best player in the EPL so far this season? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

The 25-year-old was named as the Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Player of the Year after helping the Citizens win two domestic cups in the campaign just gone, although they couldn’t secure the treble after narrowly losing the league title to Arsenal.

Unfortunately, Parris and her teammates finished seven points behind the Gunners, despite losing just one game all season; ultimately, the fact that they drew five games to Arsenal’s none saw the title end up in north London.

Parris finished that specific league season with 19 goals under her belt, three behind eventual Golden Boot winner Vivianne Miedema.

The newly-announced Lyon forward does, however, leave England as the all-time WSL top scorer with 47 goals to her name, having surpassed Eni Aluko’s tally of 36.

Parris has been named in Phil Neville’s squad for the upcoming World Cup tournament in France later this summer, where her versatility – she can play on the wing or in the centre – should see her become a vital asset for the Three Lions.

The former Everton forward will team up with her fellow England star and old City teammate Lucy Bronze at Lyon, where the pair will unquestionably strike fear into opposition defences alongside Hegerberg in attack for a side who have won four successive Champions League titles.

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Celtic fans may be celebrating a famous ‘treble treble’ of trophies but it wasn’t all plain sailing at Hampden with Craig Levein’s Hearts giving them a hell of a game in the Scottish Cup final.

The Edinburgh side arguably had the better of the first half and heading into the interval there were serious questions being asked of Neil Lennon’s outfit.

Ultimately the class and quality of players like Odsonne Edouard shone through to clinch a superb 2-1 victory, but there were definite question marks about some of the performances in the Hoops team.

One of the most criticised was Tom Rogic, whose low-energy performance infuriated fans watching on before he was hauled off in the 70th minute for Olivier Ntcham.

The Australian hasn’t been himself in recent months and it’s fair to say the patience of fans is starting to wear thin regarding his poor recent displays.

He’ll need to improve massively over the summer or risks dropping out of regular Celtic starting elevens.

These fans took to Twitter during and after the match to share their thoughts on his Hampden performance…

Tottenham Hotspur are, in many ways, as high as they can currently be. Mauricio Pochettino has literally moved mountains in his attempt to push this club to glory and he might as well achieve his dream and lift the Champions League trophy at the end of this campaign, but changes are needed if Spurs are to be taken seriously going forward. Recently, the Daily Star came out with a report claiming that Daniel Levy has set his sights on Leeds’ Jack Clarke but chasing him at this point would be a step in the wrong direction.

Mauricio Pochettino has been all about making strides without even taking a peek into the transfer market. The Argentine manager has been praised but also questioned for those actions, whatever the real reason behind them may be. Still, everyone always wondered, what would happen if he was actually to be given a better squad than his current one? Would he suddenly turn Spurs into world-beaters if his troops were just slightly more well-rounded that they are right now? Whichever question you do end up choosing, Jack Clarke is unfortunately not the one that would give you the right answer.

And don’t get me wrong, this 18-year-old might certainly have a great future ahead of him if he continues down this path with Leeds. He is young, versatile and talented enough to make it on the big stage but his time is not now. And this is the core problem with this supposed deal: the timing is off, and Spurs should not be looking for someone they can bank on in four or five years’ time, they need someone who can give them results right here and right now.

The former Southampton coach has already built a team that is well capable of overachieving and breaking its limits and buying players who can become superstars is smart but seeing how they finally seem ready to start putting some trophies on their shelves, a well-developed, experienced signing with an added pedigree would suit them a lot more.

If Tottenham are serious in their intents on making that step up and cross the finish line next season already, a big-name heavyweight player is the route they should go down. Their team can already boast with having world-class players but in order to move forward, they have to constantly add to that poll and make signings that can further improve the team and do it immediately. Obviously they are really good as it is, otherwise, they would not have made the Champions League final in the first place. But if they want to improve on the results of the past season, they need someone to help them make that jump rapidly.

Jack Clarke is a player of great potential but at the moment he is not what Spurs need and is not the prolific forward they should be aiming for, and unfortunately, his latest Leeds campaign is further proof of that. For that reason, Pochettino and Levy should chase someone who’s more representative of their high ambitions.

Go big or go home.

Spurs fans, do you think that pursuing Jack Clarke is the right decision for Tottenham or would you rather see a big-name signing? Let us know in the comments below…

It’s safe to say that is has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Rangers fans in the past few weeks when it comes to Ryan Kent.

The Liverpool winger was a sensation at the Ibrox this season as the youngster dazzled in the Scottish Premiership, winning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year and becoming an essential clog in Steve Gerrard’s team for most of the season.

The attacker has been brilliant, and understandably, the Rangers faithful want him back for a second season, but recent developments seem to have all but confirmed that Kent won’t be returning this summer.

According to Football Insider, newly promoted Aston Villa have submitted a bid for the winger on the region of £12 million, and with the Villains set to play Premier League football next season and likely to offer Kent first-team football, Rangers look all but out for the race of their former star.

It was always going to be difficult for Rangers to compete with other teams for the 22-year-old winger, with teams in England more financially well off than the Glaswegian side, it meant that Gerrard’s side were always in an uphill battle for Kent, and after such an impressive season, courting him to come back to Scotland was going to be just as hard.

Gerrard could have benefited with another season of Kent tearing it up down the left-wing, but after such a good season, the attacker is simply too good for what Scotland has to offer, and the club should move on from their former star.

Rangers fans, who should the club sign to replace Kent? Let us know!

Arguably the biggest game in Tottenham’s history is now finally upon us. The Champions League final is now here and for once Tottenham have a genuine selection headache at hand. Throughout the season it’s well and truly been injuries galore. Yet, they are now blessed with the return of Harry Kane, Harry Winks and Serge Aurier. So, who will play? 

The return of Kane has presented Mauricio Pochettino with a conundrum. It’s the Champions League final — you play your best players. Yet, there’s one — and only one — reason that the north London club are in the final. Lucas Moura. His vital goal against Barcelona now all but forgotten after his miraculous second half hat-trick in Amsterdam. To score such crucial goals and still fail to secure a starting role would be sensational in itself.

Yet, there are now so many players that it seems implausible to leave out. Could Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli be dropped to the bench? It’s highly unlikely. Son Heung-min has done more than enough to demand a starting role, while Moussa Sissoko is simply irreplaceable. It’s certainly a difficult decision, but one Pochettino will be glad he can make.

With all available, it seems there are now three options. The first is that Kane starts on the bench with Moura retaining his place up top. There are certainly valid arguments to make for this permutation. Winks would most likely play alongside Sissoko in a midfield pairing that seemed so promising earlier in the season. It will entirely depend on Kane’s fitness. If he can only manage 60 minutes, you’d want him for the second half and potentially extra time. If fully fit, he starts. Simple.

The second possibility is that Kane will start with Moura on the bench. Again, it depends on fitness and again Winks would likely partner Sissoko. It would be a bold move from Pochettino but in reality it’s probably Tottenham’s best eleven. Moura is clearly more dangerous towards the end of the game. His introduction at a decisive stage would undoubtedly strike fear into the Liverpool defence.

The final option is that they both play. This is by far the most attacking, but also perhaps the most effective. Spurs’ second half against Ajax was simply outstanding. They took off Wanyama, who was largely a passenger, replacing him with Fernando Llorente up top. The presence of the Spaniard, as well as the sheer number of bodies in attack, caused havoc. Tottenham arguably will struggle to match Liverpool playing in a more cautious, controlled style. A more gung-ho approach could work well. Tottenham will still have game changers on the bench. Erik Lamela, Winks and Llorente could all be useful substitutes if the system were not to work.

This third system is the one Tottenham must deploy. Pochettino has been guilty of starting games with the wrong system, but they cannot afford to make the same mistake again. Kane, Moura and Son all on the pitch will give Liverpool’s defence a lot to think about. There’s pace, power and height. Alli and Eriksen have shown they can create from deeper and there’s no reason they can’t again.

The Premier League outfit must be brave, bold and aggressive if they are to overcome this resilient Liverpool side. Pochettino has always professed the need to be brave — and here’s his chance to practice what he preaches.

Tottenham fans, what do you think? Should Kane and Lucas both start? Or does this leave you short of options off the bench? Comment below.

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Mirror have reported that Liverpool are set to put Harry Wilson in the shop window and cash-in on the youngster after an incredibly successful loan season over at Frank Lampard’s Derby County. The 22-year-old netted a total of 16 goals in the Championship while playing as a midfielder.

With of all that in mind, the Reds might still not have enough room for him in their star-packed squad and even though he’s talented, Wilson might end up as a spare part at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp knows what he’s doing and here are two reasons why this course of action is actually the right one for Liverpool…

Liverpool have better options

Wilson is really young and there’s no telling how good he might become in the future but with a slight glance at Liverpool’s current squad, it’s rather difficult to see him make a breakthrough and feature on a consistent basis. Sure, in time, if he is groomed and handled well, that could happen, there’s no denying that. But it’s difficult for a youngster to fight for his spot with big-name players the Reds already have at their disposal.

If the likes of Naby Keita, who was already a star in making when he joined, struggle to make an impact, which was evident in his stats, Wilson might face an even bigger mountain to climb.

On top of that, with all their success in the Championship, Derby County are no Liverpool. Scoring 16 goals will always be viewed as a massive achievement, especially for a midfielder, but a jump to the Premier League often proves to be too big of a step to take in such short notice.

Check out a fan’s outrageous call for England to take a leaf of out cricket and rugby’s book after a limp Nations League performance in the video below…

Cashing in to address weaknesses

Derby County have done two things for Wilson: they’ve given him an environment to thrive and showcase his skills and have also managed to up his estimated market value. The Mirror claim that Liverpool want £21m for the youngster – an incredible figure considering he’s only ever made one senior appearance for them.

This goes hand in hand with their visions of strengthening the squad this summer with players that are more in sync with what Klopp wants to see at Anfield.

Goal report that the Reds need a new full-back and a potential multi-functional forward as the German manager seeks some relief for his star trident up front. Judging by those targets, Wilson hardly fits the brief and the money the Merseysiders are set to get from him could very well be invested in some more urgent and bigger signings in the near future.

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Lots of Everton fans have taken to Twitter to heap praise on the club and Sporting Director Marcel Brands after sports journalist Paul Brown reported that the Catalan press have suggested the fee for Andre Gomes’ permanent move to the club could be ‘close to £20.5m’.

The Toffees are said to be close to landing last season’s loan hero, who shone for the Merseysiders with some classy performances in midfield, on a permanent basis.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

A report from SPORT stated that Barcelona’s asking price was set at €30m, although Everton were reportedly trying to bring that figure down slightly – Brown’s tweet suggests that they have been successful in doing so.

In this day and age, where a player like Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a £50m bid rejected for his services, it is a real testament to Everton’s recruitment team if they have negotiated such a low fee for a proven international.

Judging by their reactions to the news on Twitter, the Everton supporters are certainly happy with Brands’ shrewd negotiating skills…

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According to Sky Sports News, Manchester United want to sign West Ham United’s Issa Diop in this summer’s transfer window.

And the report has added that United are willing to pay £45m ‘plus a player’ for the former Toulouse youngster.

Sky Sports News made no mention of the potential player in question. However, according to ExWHUemployee, Phil Jones was the individual.

Jones was once regarded as one of the best young talents in England.

However, it would be fair to say that the former Blackburn Rovers teenager has just not developed in the way that many thought he would.

The West Ham fans have been on social media offering their thoughts on the fact that Jones could arrive at the London Stadium this summer.

And it would be fair to say that the majority are simply not interested in landing the 27-time England international.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: