All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United fans on Twitter have been in awe of Patrick Bamford after someone posted a video of his assist for Jack Harrison on Saturday.

You can completely understand why fans were full of praise for the striker after watching this clip as his first touch to bring down the pass from Kalvin Phillips was absolutely ridiculous.

Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

From there it was rather simple as the forward just had to square the ball to the onrushing Harrison who simply slid the ball into the bottom corner.

Bamford has received quite a lot of criticism throughout this season, but the former Boro striker showed his class in this moment, and fans couldn’t help but be appreciative of it.

This incredible piece of play drew incredible comparisons to the likes of Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp, and while Bamford isn’t quite on that level this touch was quite special.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on social media.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

West Bromwich Albion are back in action this weekend following the international break as they are faced with the tough task of Sheffield Wednesday without either Romaine Sawyers or Jake Livermore.

Although their worries extend much further than just a mere one-match ban for two influential members of the squad as their performances this season have led to transfer interest in their players with January soon on the horizon.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Which clearly would be a much more significant dent to their promotion hopes than a short-term absence.

This week, the Mirror has reported that Manchester United are keeping tabs on loan star Matheus Pereira, who Albion can sign permanently in the winter window.

The Baggies could clinch the 23-year-old for £8.25m, taking the total paid for him up to £9m, and given United’s financial firepower, they could make that back and lots more if they were to sell him on instantly.

However, that’s a move sporting and technical director Luke Dowling and the other decision-makers at the club must avoid no matter how big the fee is.

On the Chalkboard

Pereira has proven to be one of the most significant members of this lethal West Brom attack.

At the start of the season, manager Slaven Bilic lacked a bit of creativity in the number ten role until he gave the Brazilian an opportunity to impress, and ever since then, he’s been the first choice.

Per WhoScored, Pereira has netted three goals and provided six assists, meaning he has contributed to nearly a third of all their goals in the league, while he also ranks as their best player at an average rating of 7.30 per game.

The Sporting Lisbon man was once likened to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah while playing in the Bundesliga for FC Nurnberg due to the similar characteristics he displays – ‘strong in possession, full of pace, a fine dribbler and the orchestrator of intricate interplay and one-twos that split opposition.’

The Croatian could call upon Filip Krovinovic or Chris Willock in his absence as there’s plenty of strength in depth in the attacking positions, but given he replaced the former in the starting line up and the latter is yet to be handed a first-team opportunity, it would be a considerable risk.

Currently, the Baggies are well on course to achieve automatic promotion based on the rate at which they have started this Championship campaign. On points alone, they should surpass 92, which has been enough in four of the last five seasons.

Pereira is imperative to that happening. He is simply indispensable regardless of how much money they could make in profits.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Aston Villa are interested in signing Brentford’s Said Benrahma, according to Sky Sports News.

What’s the word?

It is reported that the club are planning a move for the winger in preparation for the January transfer window, as they seek to add to their attacking threat.

The Algeria international was linked with a move to the Villans – and the chance to reunite with his former manager Dean Smith – for much of the summer, but no agreement was reached as the club refused to meet the Bees’ valuation.

Instead, they opted for Trezeguet, who has so far proved a little inconsistent with two goals in 13 games, and since Benrahma is beginning to find his own form with two goals and two assists in the previous five games, it is possible Villa will move back in for him.

Brentford want £20m for the 24-year-old, just as they did in the summer, and that could apparently prove difficult due to Smith spending £120m in the summer, though with the club hanging precariously close to the relegation zone it is possible a deal may be struck.

[ad_pod ]

Highly-thought of

Smith signed Benrahma for Brentford in the summer of 2018 and though he spent only three and a half months working with him, it was enough for him to be won over by the quality he has.

The Algerian had a superb debut season in England with 10 goals and 15 assists in the Championship, though his productivity has declined this year – perhaps due to the summer speculation.

There is no doubting his quality on the ball, however, and his technical ability allows him to glide past opponents and create chances for teammates, both of which are highlighted by his average of 2.8 successful dribbles and 2.1 key passes per game this term.

It is that kind of quality Villa are in need of, as this season they have occasionally lacked that creative spark in the wide positions, often relying instead on Jack Grealish and John McGinn to produce match-winning moments.

Those two have both contributed directly to five Premier League goals so far, whereas Trezeguet has contributed to three. Smith may feel, therefore, that there is a need for greater quality on the wing, and Benrahma seems to be his main man once more.

According to the Daily Mirror, Michael Edwards held a meeting with Jurgen Klopp over the possibility of bringing Philippe Coutinho back to Liverpool last summer after his move to Barcelona in January 2018 didn’t work out. 

While the Reds have moved since selling the Brazilian, bringing in the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker with some of the funds raised, there was an apparent meeting of the aforementioned pair in regard to a potential homecoming. Still, as per the report, the £8m loan fee asked for by those at the Camp Nou put his former charges off.

Though the idea of Liverpool lacking creativity was recently raised again by Jamie Carragher following their loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, it’s hard to suggest not moving for him was a mistake. Indeed, they are 25 points clear in the Premier League and, since Coutinho’s departure, Trent Alexander-Arnold has seen his number of key passes per game double from 1.3 to 2.6 (via WhoScored), suggesting they’ve turned to a different area in order to supply their frontline.

However, despite that and the fact the former Inter Milan youngster was booed following his return to Anfield in the Champions League, a portion of fans online would seemingly have been keen to get him back. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the reaction to the story.

Would you take Coutinho back? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Many Tottenham Hotspur fans have been reacting on Twitter after Spurs fan account Talking THFC relayed comments from Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark, who suggested he could work with the north London outfit next season.

In an interview with Kicker, he claimed he could leave the Reds to join another club in the summer.

He has since clarified his comments on Twitter, saying: “Just to put everything straight. I’m a freelancer. I make new contracts every summer. The mentioned clubs are just random to explain my position as a freelancer.

Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

“I’m very happy at LFC (Liverpool). Let’s see what the future brings. Stay safe.”

From that we can take it as clear that the Dane was suggesting clubs he could join because of his position as a freelancer, but you do have to wonder if it’s something Jose Mourinho could take an interest in.

As The Daily Mail reports, the Merseyside outfit have successfully used his techniques across both the first team and the academy since the 44-year-old’s arrival at Anfield 18 months ago, and it has helped Jurgen Klopp’s men from an attacking point of view.

It might not be a priority for Spurs right now, but it is surely something that could work for them – and players like Serge Aurier who are committing too many foul throws – in the future.

More than one Tottenham supporter has mentioned Aurier with their reactions to the story, while another said it “sounds ominous”, thinking that it could make them a team that just lump throw-ins into the box.

Here is just a selection of the reaction…

In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy can soften a major potential exit blow for Spurs by signing a Christian Eriksen replacement in return…

Aston Villa fans have reacted to recent comments made by defender James Chester, who is due to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

Chester who was part of Villa’s play-off winning side last season, struggled to gain sufficient playing time with the Midlands based club during the first six months of the current season.

Playing a bit part role at Villa Park in the Premier League, the centre-back was sent out on a six month loan deal to Championship side Stoke City.

He has now spoken about his situation at the club, claiming he hasn’t really discussed anything with them regarding his current contract which is set to expire on 30th June (The Athletic via @villareport).

Featuring for Villa on 126 occasions, it seems the Welsh international has left a good impression on the club’s fans judging by the reactions to his comments, and he is likely to gain interest from a number of sides this summer.

Dean Smith’s side currently sit 19th in the Premier League as things stand, potentially looking at a drop down to the Championship if results do not improve when football returns from the recent pandemic.

Reacting to Chester’s latest comments on his future, Villa fans responded via Twitter account @villareport. It seems that the majority would actually like him to stay at the club, despite having become a forgotten man in recent times…

Villa fans, should you keep James Chester? Let us know below…

Speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has questioned the Reds’ potential move for Timo Werner this summer.

What did he say?

The RB Leipzig striker has been heavily linked with a switch to Anfield this summer, with reports even suggesting that the Germany international was ready to join the Reds if they pay for his release clause before it expires.

However, Hamann has cast doubt on whether Werner would actually be the right signing to make, and insisted that he simply doesn’t fit into the style of play Jurgen Klopp wants to play.

Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

He said: “If you play out wide for Liverpool, even though the full-backs like to go on the overlap, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are both very tricky players, they are very skilful and Werner is not that type of player.

“His biggest asset by far is his pace and if I watch games now, even at Anfield, with Liverpool being so superior to most teams, most of them sit back and if you deny Werner space, he’s a lot less effective. If you look at his goal record for Leipzig, his goals this season has been outstanding, but they like to play on the counter-attack and they’re not really a possession team. I don’t think he’s got the trickery to play out wide as Mane and Salah have. I’m sure there are players out there who will help Liverpool more next season than Werner.”

Reality

Werner’s record of 27 goals and 12 assists in just 36 games across all competitions this season is certainly something remarkable – he has found the back of the net seven times more than Mohamed Salah, nine times more than Sadio Mane, and 16 times more than Roberto Firmino.

On that evidence alone, a big-money move for Werner seems to make a lot of sense. He would bring a proven track record of finishing to Anfield, and add some extra firepower to the Reds.

But as Hamann alludes to, there’s a real reliance on his pace and making the most of counter-attacking opportunities. And whilst Liverpool may be devastating at that, more and more teams are simply going to try and sit back and soak up the pressure – having a poacher like Werner in those kinds of games would be effectively redunant.

It’s exactly why Michael Edwards would be foolish to ignore Hamann’s verdict on Werner and go after the German forward this summer.

Everton fan account @thetoffees_com has put the question of ‘Keep or Sell?’ to fellow Blues supporters and the player in question is Alex Iwobi.Â

A lot of Evertonians have decided that the winger’s time at Goodison Park has run out and they would like to see him moved on in the summer.

Iwobi joined the club from Arsenal last summer for a rising fee of £34 million (via BBC Sport), but as he approaches one calendar year with the Merseyside outfit, he has left much to be desired on the pitch.

The Nigerian international has scored just one Premier League goal this season and has tallied a total of two goals and one assist across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

It seems fans aren’t willing to give Iwobi another season to prove himself, as a lot have flocked to the Keep or Sell tweet to air their opinions on him leaving the club. One Blue has said signing the winger was ‘awful business’ whilst another has commented ‘throw in the bin’ when discussing his future.

What’s your opinion, Blues fans? Should Everton keep or sell Alex Iwobi this summer? Join the discussion in the comments!

Lots of Newcastle United fans have hailed Miguel Almiron after comments made from him in the Tyneside club’s ‘Back To Business’ feature (via the Magpies’ website) were shared on the Toon’s official Twitter page.

As per the outlet, Almiron and his team-mates have not played since the season was suspended in March following the coronavirus outbreak, but they reported back last week for the first phase of training, where the players worked in small groups with no contact, before the squad were able to train together for the first time with tackling permitted.

The 26-year-old touched upon his time in quarantine and admitted that he is really happy to get back into training and see the rest of the players, among other topics. Indeed, Almiron is the Magpies’ top scorer in all competitions in this campaign so far with six, perhaps one of several reasons as to why the supporters have been lauding him.

The £14.4m-valued ace has also showed his versatility by playing in a number of positions for his team this term, according to Transfermarkt.

These fans hailed the Paraguayan international on Twitter:

Geordies, what have you made of Almiron’s season so far? Comment below with your views!

Brighton winger Leandro Trossard has paid a significant compliment to Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of the teams’ Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium tomorrow night.

The Belgian was speaking to Brighton & Hove Independent in the run-up to the game and said: “Aaron Wan-Bissaka has probably been my toughest opponent so far, he has a bit of everything. He is quick, strong and is good on the ball.

“You think you’ve got away from him and then he can be back on you, but it’s another chance to test myself against him.”Looking back to the previous meeting of the two teams last November, it is understandable why Trossard has spoken so highly of Wan-Bissaka.The Manchester United right-back was superb that day at Old Trafford, winning seven tackles and making two interceptions while also getting forward to make two successful dribbles and put in two crosses. Trossard, who was up against him on Brighton’s left wing, did not manage a shot all afternoon and made only 21 passes before being substituted by Graham Potter on 59 minutes. [via WhoScored]It was notable that the Belgian cited Wan-Bissaka as his toughest opponent thus far and not Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite the Liverpool youngster being hailed as one of the world’s best right-backs by FourFourTwo. Admittedly, the Brighton winger only played against the Reds defender for 21 minutes when the teams met at Anfield earlier in the season.Trossard has only scored once for Brighton in 18 Premier League appearances since he came up against Wan-Bissaka and Manchester United seven months ago (as per TransferMarkt), so he hasn’t been in frightening form ahead of the Red Devils’ visit to Falmer.The English youngster has made a strong restart to the season, too, winning four tackles against Tottenham and setting up one of Anthony Martial’s three goals against Sheffield United last week. The signs are that Brighton’s Belgian winger will need to be at his best if he lines up on the left flank at the Amex Stadium tomorrow night against an opponent for whom he clearly has huge respect.Brighton fans, what did you make of Trossard’s claim about Wan-Bissaka? Have your say by commenting below!