All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to Rio Ferdinand’s comments on Thiago, with many agreeing with the Manchester United legend.

The Spaniard arrived at Anfield from Bayern Munich last September, in what was seen as a hugely exciting piece of business at the time.

Thiago had just won the Champions League with the Bundesliga giants, arguably standing out as one of the outstanding midfielders in the world last season.

The 29-year-old has struggled to consistently hit top form for Liverpool, however, with an injury suffered in October ruling him out for several months and immediately curtailing his progress.

On top of that, the Reds’ injury crisis in defence has led to the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson having to play at centre-back, further hampering Thiago’s hopes of excelling in midfield.

Despite some criticism of the Spain international’s performances, Ferdinand has stuck up for the Liverpool man, despite his past with the Reds’ bitter rivals United.

Speaking on the Vibe With FIVE [via the Liverpool Echo], the former England defender said Thiago should only be properly judged next season:

“This season is almost a void season in terms of judging someone like him because he’s not had the platform to be able to play. His two midfield partners have been playing centre-half, so he’s been unable to really showcase what he’s actually about.

“He could’ve worked at Liverpool if they had one or two injuries – next season, we’ll find out.”

Liverpool fans react to Ferdinand’s comments

Here’s how some Liverpool supporters reacted to Ferdinand’s remarks on Twitter.

“Finally some common sense”

Credit: @parmarjsingh

“Well said”

Credit: @Hulkcules1

“Finally someone making sense about Thiago and it’s from Ferdinand, says everything”

Credit: @CatoAnthony

“With Fabinho back in there he’s been much better already, can’t believe people actually write this guy off”

Credit: @TomMcGill17

“I think thiago has adapted to lfc really well. He never covered this amount of grass at bayern. His pressing is brilliant. He gives away fouls but so do all midfielders. He has showed some real class. Playing with fabinho has brought him up a level but the jip he gets is a joke”

Credit: @luke1991lfc

“There’s no reason for anyone you single out Thiago he has put in some scintillating performances and his direct passing is a joy. If there three up front could finish their dinner we’d have a different conversation”

Credit: @Euge4780

“Honestly, this season Ferdinand has been more supportive than Carragher and Owen put together. He has judged us from a true point of view”

Correct: @BPhilz_14

In other news, one Liverpool player has been tipped to leave Anfield at the end of the season. Read about who it is here.

Joe Rodon will return to Tottenham Hotspur this week a hero.

The 23-year-old defender made quite the statement for Wales in their World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

Rob Page’s side looked poised to throw away all three points in an agonising way but the Spurs colossus was in the right place at the right time to snuff out the danger, putting in a last-ditch and fearless block to deny the visitors at the Cardiff City Stadium.

It was not only brave but intelligent too as Rodon made ground to put his 6 foot 4 frame in between Ondrej Celustka and Danny Ward in front of the sticks. His monstrous lunge denied a very likely goal.

That one moment late in the game capped off an impressive night for the Spurs gem.

During the commentary, former Wales defender Danny Gabidon dubbed it a “match-winning block” and claimed it was “unbelievable defending” from Rodon (via Wales Online), whilst another ex-international James Collins said it was “incredible,” adding: “Me as an old, rugged centre-back, I love to see stuff like this. All the centre forwards over the years getting the plaudits for their goals, but this is as good as a goal,” he said on Sky Sports (30/3, 21:51).

In what was his 12th senior cap for the Welsh side, Rodon arguably picked up the ‘Man of the Match’ award too.

As per SofaScore, he also managed a match-high seven clearances and recorded the second-highest touches (50) for the home outfit, meaning he was more involved in the game than the likes of Spurs teammate Gareth Bale (31) and the goal-scorer Dan James (33).

Rodon has now played more times for Wales than he has all season for Spurs. After joining for what now seems like a bargain £11m from Swansea City, the defender has only featured in ten matches in all competitions.

Missing out on the Europa League squad registration earlier in the campaign has certainly hindered his game time but after this latest international display, he’s certainly sent a huge message to Jose Mourinho that he should be starting more.

His most recent start before the break – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa – saw him excel in the absence of Toby Alderweireld, so the Spurs boss now must carefully consider who he selects this weekend, with them due to return to action on Sunday afternoon against a struggling Newcastle United side.

You’d imagine after that big display, it would be a hard call to axe Rodon from the starting XI.

It’s time to let Spurs’ future finish out the season as a first-choice.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kane: Levy must sanction £36m swoop for “remarkable” beast…

Glasgow Rangers winger Glenn Middleton has revealed he would be open to returning to St. Johnstone next season.

Middleton discusses future

Middleton made the move to St. Johnstone on loan during the January transfer window, and he has so far managed one goal in seven matches for the club (Transfermarkt).

Now, he has revealed he would be open to returning to The Saints next term as well. He said (via Not The Old Firm):

“I can’t look too far ahead. For me just now, it’s about trying to play in every game for St Johnstone and making a positive impact.

“I am under contract at Rangers and that means they are in control of the situation moving forward. I’ve no idea what the summer holds for me in terms of going into next season. But if there is an opportunity to come back to Saints then I’d seriously look at it because I have really enjoyed my time here.

“It’s a great football club and the people in every department are top class. There is a great deal of belief in this squad. We are desperate to win every game. The squad made me feel welcome from the first moment I walked into the dressing-room.”

Big decision for Gerrard

Middleton is now reaching a crucial point in his career. He moved to Ibrox as a teenager from Norwich in 2018 and, after five goals and five assists in 28 matches during the 2018/19 campaign, it looked as though he had a big future with the 55-time Scottish champions. However, he would play just once under Steven Gerrard the following term and was involved in just one match this time around before this latest loan spell.

At 21, he now needs to find somewhere he can settle and show off his ability. He has just six career goals to his name, so there is room for improvement, but has quality that could be put to good use, even by Gerrard. Perhaps the Gers boss should give Middleton one more chance next season to display what he is capable of at Ibrox.

In other news, Rangers have been urged to consider the sale of this man.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge recently, and if the Norwegian were to join this summer, it could lead to Moussa Sissoko leaving the club.

According to reports from France, both Arsenal and Spurs are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer, with the Blades looking extremely likely to drop back into the Championship following an awful campaign.

Berge became Sheffield United’s record signing when he joined from KRC Genk in January of last year but he has only been able to show glimpses of his ability in his time at Bramall Lane, with an injury having kept him out for much of this season.

Last season saw the midfielder make 14 appearances in the Premier League, where he contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a 6.81 WhoScored match rating.

Incidentally, both the goal and the assist would come in Sheffield United’s 3-1 win against Spurs following Project Restart last season, so you could certainly argue that he showed Jose Mourinho what he is capable of in that impressive display.

There is no doubt that Berge has the potential to be a top player, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp complimentary of the youngster after he produced a solid display for Genk at Anfield in the Champions League, reportedly telling him that he is “a very interesting player.”

Considering the number of options Mourinho already has in his midfield at Spurs, Berge’s potential arrival could be curtains for Sissoko, who has already been linked with a Spurs exit in recent months.

The Frenchman’s contract with the north London club isn’t set to expire until the end of the 2022/23 season but in 20 Premier League appearances this season, the 31-year-old has contributed no goals or assists, averaging a disappointing 6.55 WhoScored rating.

This ranks him below the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, so it already appears as if the former Newcastle man is giving way to a younger generation at Spurs.

Berge plays in a similar box-to-box style as Sissoko and therefore it is difficult to see the experienced midfielder getting regular game-time under Mourinho should he arrive from Sheffield United this summer.

Spurs fans could well end up saying bye-bye to the Frenchman should Daniel Levy sign the £16.2m-rated Berge this summer, as his future is already seemingly on a knife-edge, and the Norwegian’s potential arrival could prove to be the catalyst for Sissoko leaving.

And, in other news… 12 duels won: Spurs beast was exceptional and has given Mourinho a headache ahead of Arsenal

Is this the beginning of Celtic’s turnaround? Their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock brought back happy memories of some of the free-flowing football we’ve seen over the last decade.

On each of the last nine occasions, the Hoops have been the triumphant side when it comes to the SPFL.

Their success has been unmatched but now they’re on the verge of surrendering their grasp over Scottish football.

Heading into their clash with Motherwell on Saturday, they are still 23 points behind Rangers. It’s safe to say that any chance of securing a tenth successive crown is done and dusted.

It’s rather remarkable that Neil Lennon is still in the job and we’re not expecting him to lose it anytime soon. After all, the hierarchy have backed him to the hills.

Thus, in Lennon’s next clash, what will his starting XI be?

We’re tipping the manager to make as many as four changes from the team that defeated Kilmarnock on Tuesday.

One of those changes is enforced. Albian Ajeti scored against Killie but is now facing a two-match suspension after being retrospectively banned for simulation.

He went down to earn a penalty that Odsonne Edouard converted but is now facing punishment for his actions. That means that Leigh Griffiths returns to the side.

Another change is at left-back where Diego Laxalt comes into replace Greg Taylor. That’s the only replacement among a backline that kept a rare clean sheet a few days ago.

The other two switches come in the middle of the park. Scott Brown was imperious in the win over Killie but is dropped back to the bench in place of the effervescent Ismaila Soro.

We’ve downplayed Ryan Christie’s performances this week and as such, we think the out of form winger needs to be benched. He’s scored just once in his last 19 outings so Mo Elyounoussi takes his place in the side.

That means that David Turnbull is moved over to the right-hand side in the hope of finding good fortune against his former employers.

AND in other news, Celtic could fix a big problem by hiring manager who left Rodgers “really impressed”…

Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos ahead of the summer transfer window, with recent reports suggesting that Takumi Minamino could be included in a swap deal with the Argentinian.

What’s the word?

According to the Express, Jurgen Klopp is tracking the 26-year-old with a keen interest, although reports from Spain claim that the Reds would have to pay his £56 million release clause if they wanted to bring him to Anfield.

The Express suggests that Liverpool would not be keen to pay the full fee, and are therefore exploring the option of including Minamino in a potential deal that would see Ocampos make the move to Anfield.

Would Ocampos be a good signing?

Whilst Ocampos has struggled to match his superb form from last season this time out, the former Marseille man has still managed four goals and four assists in 21 appearances, resulting in a solid 7.05 rating.

Last season saw the winger manage 14 goals and three assists in the Spanish top-flight, resulting in a superb 7.21 average rating, which ranked him in WhoScored’s top 10 rated players across the season.

Therefore, it seems fair to suggest that he would be a serious upgrade on Minamino if he were to join. His signing could also effectively allow Klopp to kill two birds with one stone, as his arrival could ease the pressure on Mohamed Salah to score goals in this Liverpool side, whilst also allowing the Reds to cash in on the Japanese international.

Since arriving from RB Salzburg last season, the 26-year-old, who reportedly earns £75k per week at Liverpool, has made 31 appearances for the Reds, managing just three goals and two assists.

He was sent on loan to Southampton in January, where he scored two goals in his first three games for the club, which could increase his value ahead of the summer if Klopp isn’t convinced that he deserves to stay with the Merseyside outfit.

Certainly, Ocampos would offer much more of a goal threat than Minamino when you consider his impressive contributions in his time at Sevilla, so Klopp and Michael Edwards should definitely try and bring him to Anfield this summer, even if it means losing Minamino.

AND, in other news… Liverpool suffer huge transfer blow with centre-back beast who “manhandled” Diego Costa

West Bromwich Albion fans are delighted after the club announced Chris Brunt will be returning to the club to work with the club’s academy.

Brunt spent 13 years with the Baggies between 2007 and 2020. During that time, he made 421 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 49 goals and providing 89 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). He is a club legend, of that there is no doubt.

Now, he will be returning to the Midlands after a short spell at Sheffield Wednesday. Not in a playing role, though – he will now be a coach in the outfit’s academy. The club shared the news on their official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters.

They were absolutely delighted with the news, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the return of Brunt below

“Shining light on a dismal season, welcome home Chris”

Credit: @JoshhhWBA

“Best news I’ve heard all year. Welcome back Captain x”

Credit: @1_dawson

“That’s wonderful news, this man has so much more to give to football, as he’s back home to help our youngsters , welcome home Chris”

Credit: @baggyboy1878

“Welcome back home, Brunty! This is such great news”

Credit: @Yo_Commander

“Bruntys coming home!!! Best news in ages. Good luck with the coaching career Brunty.”

Credit: @BaggieBirdd66

“I’m off to get the beer in after this banging news!”

Credit: @JamesWyer9

In other news, West Brom fans slam this man against Newcastle United.

Manchester City winger Jayden Braaf is continuing to attract interest in the January transfer window and looks set to leave the Citizens, which is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, as he could’ve followed in the footsteps of Phil Foden.

According to Kicker (via Sport Witness), Bayer Leverkusen are the latest side to register an interest in the 18-year-old, who is also reportedly being targeted by Borussia Dortmund.

It was also reported earlier in the season that the winger was likely to leave the Citizens in January, due to a lack of first-team opportunities under Guardiola.

Since signing for City’s academy from PSV Eindhoven youth in 2018, the winger has established himself as a regular in City’s U23 side, having made 24 appearances, in which he has contributed 12 goals.

The Amsterdam-born winger showed a glimpse of his ability by scoring a superb goal against Rochdale in the EFL trophy in September 2019 but despite his impressive form with the academy sides, he has failed to make a single appearance for City’s senior side in his time with the club.

Unfortunately for City, academy players have struggled to force their way into the first-team in recent years, with only the extremely talented Phil Foden managing to really establish himself as a regular first-team player with the Citizens having come through the academy, whereas the likes of Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz have departed after a lack of first-team opportunities.

It certainly seems as if Braaf has the talent to play for Manchester City in the future but as exit rumours continue to grow, it seems more likely that he will become another Sancho, rather than another Foden, who has now contributed 23 goals and 17 assists for the City first-team after starring with the academy sides.

When he was just 17, Braaf won the U’23 Player of the Season award with the Citizens and was invited to train with the first-team following project restart last season, with Guardiola suggesting:

“He’s a young player and I think everyone has to be patient with him.

“He has incredible skills but at the same time there are another six or seven players playing there, so we’ll have to see how his evolution is.”

However, it seems that Braaf is not willing to wait for his chance in the first-team and considering he has made just two appearances for the U’23s this season, despite being available, a January exit certainly looks to be on the cards.

And, in other news… “95% he will end up at Man City”: Exclusive – Pundit makes bold claim on £108m-rated MCFC target

Once all is said and done, it will be difficult to call Stewart Donald’s reign at Sunderland a success.

Of course, they could still achieve promotion with the businessman enjoying a minority stake in the club, but if they do go up now, it’ll be up to Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to take the plaudits.

It’s unsurprising that it’s ending like this. After all, he has done little to prove supporters in the north-east that he deserves their support.

Donald is in charge of a glistening list of operations and the club’s facilities best every single team in the division – that involves the academy too.

The facilities at the Academy of Light are Premier League quality but all too often, especially under the Donald era, we’ve seen their best young prospects up sticks and leave.

From the more experienced George Honeyman to the supremely talented Josh Maja and Joel Asoro, they have all departed.

But we’ve also seen players yet to make their first-team breakthroughs looking for new clubs because of a lack of progress at Sunderland. It’s a long list of names, one that includes Luca Stephenson, Sam Greenwood, Luke Hewitson, Morten Spencer, Joe Hugill and Logan Pye.

Clearly, something hasn’t quite clicked at academy level.

However, there are now attempts to strengthen it and they look like they’ll be doing it in impressive style by bringing a Premier League academy quality player to their club.

That’s because this week, Sunderland handed Rayan Clarke his first minutes for their U23 team. The teenager was released by Tottenham in the summer and has been looking for a club ever since.

A man with one assist to his name in Premier League 2 already this season, he then took his goal contributions to two goals in two games by netting from the bench for the Black Cats’ academy side on Monday.

Coincidentally, he outshone a certain Aiden McGeady, someone he replaced just after the hour mark after the Irishman had failed to score.

But who does Clarke remind us most of? Well, it has to be Asoro, someone who departed the Stadium of Light for Swansea City in 2018.

The talented attacker can play all across the front line just like Clarke, with both proving they are incredibly valuable assets in terms of their versatility. The duo are also tricky livewires capable of beating their man with ingenuity and trickery.

Despite playing more games out wide, it’s the Sunderland trialist who has a better record as a youth player though.

In 23 competitive league outings for Sunderland’s academy, Asoro found the back of the net on just three occasions. Clarke, however, has registered six goals in 29 appearances for Spurs’ U18 side.

Throughout youth level, the 19-year-old has been impressive and at Sunderland, he’d have a fantastic chance of making a first-team breakthrough if he pens terms.

Who knows, he could well have a greater chance of succeeding in the north-east than Asoro, someone who was evidently left frustrated by the tired regime.

If there is one pro to still being in League One, it’s that academy products have a greater chance of minutes than they did when Sunderland was a Premier League side.

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s prospective new owner is already on the verge of a HUGE mistake…

Following Man City’s 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night, a result which means more dropped points in the Premier League, many Sky Blues ripped into one man after they couldn’t squeeze a last-gasp winner past Slaven Bilic’s side – with Benjamin Mendy at the centre of criticism from these supporters. 

Mendy, who started last night in place of usual makeshift left-back Joao Cancelo as the Portuguese was placed on the right, had been putting in some noteworthy performances recently – with the Frenchman scoring his first Premier League goal during a 5-0 romp at home to Burnley at the end of November.

The defender also played against Fulham as manager Pep Guardiola seems to call upon him regularly – appearing above fellow full-back option Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order.

However, with the absence of his usual overlaps and powerful left-footed balls into the box on Tuesday evening, Mendy cut a largely ineffective figure – with Guardiola swapping him for Kyle Walker late on.

Criticising his performance, here’s what Sky Blues had to say on social media – find all of their verdicts down below.

Man City fans hammer Mendy

In other news: Man City fans buzzed over this ‘great news’, find out more here.