All posts by h716a5.icu

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…

Danny Mills believes he has identified the problem with Miguel Almiron’s play which has led to him to struggle for Newcastle.

What did he say?

The former England international admitted that he himself drew criticism from Magpies supporters earlier this year when Almiron’s performances were seemingly proving that his initial doubts were misplaced.

However, since the winger has failed to score or assist a single goal in a black and white shirt, Mills now feels validated for holding his original opinion of the player.

He questioned Almiron’s goalscoring ability and he has since been proved correct on that front, but the ex-pro did at least explain a factor which may be contributing to his lack of attacking edge.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills said:

“I gave him a little bit of stick when he first came arrived. I didn’t know too much about him, was he the answer for Newcastle, was this going to be the stellar signing they’re looking for, is he going to score enough goals?

“I think he started off really well, had three or four games where he looked great and I got all sorts of abuse from the Newcastle fans but look, not so good now.

“That’s the problem, he’s working very, very hard but he’s in the team to be creative, he’s in the team to create chances and to score goals. He’s not doing it. To work hard is normal, to work hard is mandatory. That’s the very, very least every player should be doing.”

From Mills’ comments it is clear to see that he feels the Paraguay international isn’t doing enough for his team, and it is possible that he thinks that the 25-year-old may not sufficiently repay his £20m fee.

Watch Newcastle United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Lack of productivity

Whilst Mills is correct that every player needs to work hard for their side, it is refreshing to see a forward-thinking player track back and defend for his team.

It is important in Bruce’s system where there can be a lot of space in the middle due to the lack of central midfielders, and therefore Almiron’s contribution deserves a little recognition.

He has also proved a threat when running in behind this term, and was unfortunate not to score against Wolves and Bournemouth, with Allan Saint-Maximin blocking his goalbound effort against the latter.

Too often, though, he has missed gilt-edged chances, both this season and last. That is worrying for a Newcastle attack which has only scored 11 goals in 12 league games, and is evidence that Mills is accurate in his assessment of the player.

Almiron is the club’s second-most expensive signing ever, and they would have expected a greater return on their money than what he has delivered so far, even if he has been useful without scoring.

England fans have taken to Twitter to comment on West Ham midfielder Declan Rice’s performance against Kosovo, and they don’t seem too impressed with his showing.

Rice was making his seventh appearance for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions against Kosovo, and kept things ticking over nicely in midfield – he also played the forward pass into the final third which led to Harry Winks’ goal.

However, he has been criticised by some supporters of the national team for his contributions.

One fan said that they rather “play a bag of rice” instead of the Hammers academy graduate, with another saying that the 20-year-old offers “no protection” to the backline while looking like he doesn’t want the ball.

One more supporter added that it looks as if Rice has technique similar to that of a rugby player.

The comments seem harsh, as the youngster didn’t actually do anything wrong during the game and he screened the back four well and kept possession for his side.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

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

Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign Troy Parrott, according to The Express.

What’s the latest?

The striker has shown his potential this season for the Spurs U23s and his talent isn’t going unnoticed by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, but Borussia Dortmund seem willing to challenge them.

Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid are amongst the other clubs interested in the 17-year-old, who only signed a new deal in February of this year.

However, that deal will expire in June 2021 and that means Parrott could be tempted away for a low sum, possibly viewing Dortmund as a good stepping stone – as it was for Jadon Sancho who joined the German club at the same age.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Chance under Mourinho

Parrott is yet to make his Premier League debut for Spurs but his progression in the youth teams mean it is probably only a matter of time before he gets an opportunity, particularly as his new boss is reportedly willing to offer young players a chance.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international has scored seven goals in five games for Spurs U23s this term, and his skill meant former manager Mauricio Pochettino was a “great admirer” of the youngster.

Considering the interest from some big clubs it is important the club begins to make plans to keep him, and therefore a new contract offer should be tabled, as well as assurances of playing time, as that may be the most important thing for Parrott at this time.

[ad_pod ]

Pochettino leaving places greater doubt on that, too. The Argentine was responsible for handing several young Spurs players a first-team opportunity, such as Harry Winks, Dele Alli and Oliver Skipp.

Mourinho’s career shows he hasn’t often been a manager to hand game time to young players, though his admission that he is ready to learn from past mistakes could see a change in approach. With no other natural striker in the squad to act as back-up to Harry Kane there is a spot available in the squad, too.

On the latest episode of the U Irons podcast (March 27), Sean Whetsone has controversially touted West Ham United captain Mark Noble for a role as player/manager at the London Stadium next season.

What did he say?

Well, he along with The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas and Sam Delaney, ExWHUemployee and Phil from ‘Stop Hammertime’ were discussing the Irons skipper, who has come under criticism from some supporters on Twitter for his performances this term.

Calling all FFC readers! Raise money for charities and bring together communities this Saturday the 28th at 3pm by taking part in the #FLYTHEFLAG campaign. Click this banner to find out how you can get involved.

Asked whether it was the beginning of the end of his career, Whetsone replied (08:00): “No, he’s proved us wrong time and time again. I think he’s got a career at this club when his playing days are finished. In fact, let’s be controversial, how about him as player/manager next season?

“He loves this club through and through. He’s the one, when Pellegrini was quiet in the dressing room, that was talking up. He bleeds West Ham.”

Could it happen?

Firstly, it depends on whether the 32-year-old has been doing his coaching badges behind the scenes, and if he has how the current situation may affect that.

He told the official club website in 2018 that he hadn’t done his badges yet as he likes to spend time with his family over the summer, but it remains unclear whether that mindset has changed since.

Did he really play for us?! No West Ham fan has managed to name all of these obscure Irons signings….

Should the Premier League season resume and the Hammers retain their status, it would be difficult to see David Gold and David Sullivan placing their faith in Noble at the helm.

Having appointed David Moyes on an 18-month contract in December, you’d think he’d get the majority of that time if the club is in the top flight.

The interesting thing could come if West Ham do go down though, where you would think the idea of Moyes going and the captain potentially being a player/manager as a far more likely scenario.

In other West Ham news, ExWHUemployee is way off the mark thinking West Ham have a chance of signing £30m-rated starlet…

Marcos Llorente was Liverpool’s unlikely nemesis in the last-16 of the Champions League.

A defensive midfielder by trade, the 25-year-old came off the substitutes bench and scored a brace at Anfield as Atletico Madrid recorded a historic 3-2 win to knock the holders out of the competition.

It was a memorable night for everyone involved with the Spanish giants and particularly for Llorente, who made the £35m move from capital rivals Real Madrid last summer.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

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

The Reds faithful will quickly want to put any lingering memories of that evening out of mind, but it seems Llorente will do everything he can to remember his side’s achievement.

Indeed, the Spaniard has reportedly named his pet dog “Anfield”.

It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue but it’s easy to understand why Llorente has made the choice.

And, in response to reports, the Liverpool supporters were fairly mixed in their reaction.

Some suggested that his decision underlines the gargantuan size of the Merseyside outfit, while others suggested he should have named it after Adrian instead.

Here’s how the Liverpool fans reacted to news on Llorente…

Arsenal fans are in an uproar over the latest transfer news surrounding versatile winger Bukayo Saka this week.

According to the Telegraph, the 18-year-old is on the radar of several Bundesliga teams ahead of the summer as the ongoing situation in Germany means clubs could lose out on money and thus would be limited in the transfer market.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

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

Many reportedly see Saka as someone who could follow in Jadon Sancho’s footsteps following a breakthrough season in north London.

He has risen to first-team stardom under Mikel Arteta this campaign, proving his worth as a natural left-mid but more prominently at left-back in the absence of the injured Kieran Tierney.

In 29 appearances, Saka has scored three goals and laid on nine assists, per Transfermarkt, but his current contract expires in just 15 months time – something his boss is rather keen to extend.

And it would appear that supporters feel the same way as this fresh information has riled them up on Twitter.

Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Arsenal could sign former Premier League star turned La Liga reject…

In a Q&A on The Chronicle, Lee Ryder has revealed that Newcastle’s prospective new owners may consider rebuilding St James’ Park.

What did he say?

The Magpies look set to be on the verge of entering a new era under fresh ownership, and with it a sense of hope and excitement at what the future can hold.

And now, Ryder has delivered a rather optimistic verdict on how that could in turn affect the club’s stadium, and revealed that parts of the “dated” ground could undergo some major work.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

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

He said: “I think this day and age there are ways to increase the capacity and while the facilities are adequate, areas of the stadium have become dated and I think we can all see that.

“We need to see more than a lick of paint because that quickly starts to look tired. When I go to Man City’s Etihad Stadium I see something new every season, it would be great to think of St James’ Park being like that one day. If the Reuben brothers are onboard I’m sure with their know-how they would take a long hard look at the existing layout.”

New life

There can be no questioning that under Mike Ashley, St James’ Park had lost some of its magic and passion, with fans understandably struggling to identify with things both on and off the pitch.

Even Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said last year: “I have always felt sad, to be fair, going to Newcastle over these last couple of years. I have always felt that there’s never been the connection between the ownership, and the fans, the players and the manager. You always need that at a club if you want to be successful.”

But if this takeover goes through, then some new life can be breathed into St James’ Park. The stadium itself may look better and modernised, but perhaps more importantly, the kind of footballing home that fans love going to week-in and week-out.

Yesterday Crystal Palace posted a video of former goalkeeper Julian Speroni, as it was a year to the day (11 May 2019) that the player had his final training session for the club, and a lot of Eagles fans were getting emotional at the footage.

Many players come and go, some will be remembered for many years, whilst others will be easily forgotten. However, Speroni falls into a unique category as he will be someone that the Palace faithful will want to tell future generations about as what it truly means to be a player at the south London club.

The Argentine rocked up at the club as a relative unknown in his early 20s from Scottish side Dundee, as per Transfermarkt, and 15 years, 402 appearances and 110 clean sheets later, he would leave a legend.

Countless times he has helped Palace to pick up three points and his heroic saves in the 2013 Championship playoffs in both the semi-final second leg against Brighton and in the final against Watford are a huge reason as to why the Eagles are in the Premier League today.

Here is what these Palace fans had to say following the tweet:

Palace fans, is Speroni the biggest legend to play for the club? Comment below with your thoughts!

Speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton has raved about Rangers starlet Stephen Kelly.

What did he say?

The 20-year-old spent the campaign on loan at Ayr United, and enjoyed a very impressive year, being named the club’s young player of the season.

Now, Hutton has revealed that he has high hopes for the youngster, and that Rangers’ reserve team coach, Peter Lovenkrands, has spoken highly about him.

He said: “You always get excited about the young players, I’ve heard a few things about him from Peter and that as one of the exciting players coming through. This is ideal in my opinion – boys going out and playing 30, 35 games a season, coming back battle-hardened, that’s what they need. I’ve been there before.

“See when you’re going into the first-team for the first time, it’s like a shock to the system, it’s difficult. If you’ve gone out for seasons and played and you know what to expect, it makes you feel so much better.

“For the youngsters, it’s a great move. Of course he’s one for the future – to go out on loan in a tough league and get young player of the year, it speaks volumes. I’m sure Rangers will be watching him very closely.”

Decisions

After such a successful loan spell, the big temptation for Steven Gerrard and co will be whether to throw Kelly into the deep end for next season at Ibrox.

What could be worth their while in the long-run however, is actually sending Kelly out on loan again for another full year, and seeing him continue to get first-team football at a high level.

Are you a massive Rangers fan? Know everything about the club? Well do you know your Gary Stevens from your Michael Ball? This quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

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

The season just gone by saw the 20-year-old feature 36 times across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing a further four assists. Playing week-in and week-out would be far more beneficial for a young player like Kelly, than simply sitting on the bench and getting some minutes here and there.

A massive decision will have to be made this summer on his short-term future.

Tottenham have been linked to plenty of big names ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season, but nothing has materialised as of yet. 

However, reports have now emerged that Spurs made a surprise approach for Metz striker Habib Diallo back in January.

According to the Agence de Presse Senegelaise, Diallo’s agent, who famously represented former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, claims Tottenham have been monitoring the Senegal star for a while and submitted an offer in the winter window.

Jose Mourinho has made it clear he wants to find a backup for Harry Kane, as the England international has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury.

Thierno Seydi admitted his client may leave FC Metz in the summer, although whether or not Spurs will still be interested remains to be seen.

Le Quotidien de Foot reported earlier this year that the Lilywhites face competition from Leeds, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Chelsea, who are all keeping tabs on the Senegalese.

The forward is an international teammate of Liverpool star Sadio Mane, with the duo combining for his goal against Congo during qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

After arriving in Metz from Stade Brest 29 in 2018, Diallo has scored 12 goals in 26 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, taking 2.9 shots per game (via WhoScored).

It is worth pointing out he is just behind Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar in the goalscoring charts, as the Brazilian has bagged 13 goals for PSG so far.

However, he fails to contribute much to the rest of the team, as he has only managed 2 assists all season. Indeed, he provides less than one key pass and has registered fewer than one dribble on average, as per WhoScored.

Although the 24-year-old clearly has a penchant for scoring goals, there are gaps in his playing style that he needs to address, as he must make improvements to his passing and his ability to hold onto the ball.

Furthermore, Daniel Levy has made several high-profile mistakes in the past, as the Spurs chairman infamously splashed the cash on former flop Roberto Soldado, and this could be a signing he chooses to ignore.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Habib Diallo in the summer? Let us know in the comments section!