All posts by n8rngtd.top

Some Rangers supporters were unhappy with James Tavernier’s performance in the 1-0 win away to Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

Steven Gerrard’s side were looking to kick on after an inconsistent start to the season, taking on a Dundee side sitting bottom of the Premiership.

In truth, it wasn’t the most convincing performance by the Gers, but they ended up getting all three points thanks to Joe Aribo’s goal. Dundee even missed a penalty, perhaps summing up Rangers’ display despite the victory.

It was a milestone day for captain Tavernier, who made his 300th appearance for the club, having been a great servant over the past six years.

Unfortunately, the right-back didn’t mark the occasion with a vintage performance. He was dribbled past twice and lost five of his duels, while he gave away possession 23 times on Saturday, the most of anyone from either team (SofaScore).

Rangers fans criticise Tavernier’s performance

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to deliver a brutal assessment of Tavernier’s “shocking” afternoon at Dens Park.

“Lundstram carrying the team. Goldson and Tavernier embarrassing… again. What’s the point in Kamara in these games. Offers nothing. Roofe is awful 3 games, good one. Aribo lacklustre and spends the game staring at the floor. Good goal though.”

Credit: @Rfc1872l

“Tavernier was woeful”

Credit: @Delmonte72

“Agree, one to keep an eye on. Tavernier was poor but that boy showed great promise”

Credit: @JohnWardMcLeod

“Enjoy and congratulations skipper. But please help sort out the performances”

Credit: @AG55Rfc

“Tavernier diving in again. Awful“

Credit: @bluediamond62

“James Tavernier has been absolutely shocking”

Credit: @RangersRobbie83

In other news, this pundit is worried about one piece of Rangers injury news. Read more here.

Rangers ended their local rival’s period of dominance in Scottish football as they won the Premiership title last season, preventing their arch-rivals from completing the coveted 10-in-a-row.

Steven Gerrard, who joined the club as managed in 2018, was able to construct a side capable of going unbeaten throughout the entire campaign, winning the title in style as they picked up 102 points.

In order to do this, Gerrard needed players who he could trust to put in excellent performances week-in-week-out in the Premiership and one man he trusted explicitly was left-back Borna Barisic.

He started 30 of Rangers’ 38 Premiership matches in defence and was a brick wall at left-back, whilst also offering an attacking edge on the ball. Barisic averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.35 in the top-flight, as he provided 2.2 key passes per game – ending the campaign on one goal and five assists.

This shows that he made a huge contribution to Rangers’ title success, as he was consistently impressive throughout the season and made a difference with his delivery in the final third.

Former Gers player Alex Rae lauded the defender for having ‘terrific quality’ with the ball at his feet. He said:

“He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

The defender arrived at Ibrox in 2018 from Croatian outfit Osijek, having started his career at Dinamo Zagreb. Transfermarkt valued him at £1.8m at the time, with Barisic venturing out of his homeland of Croatia for the first time.

Barisic’s impressive form for Rangers, as aforementioned, has seen his value soar since arriving at the club. Transfermarkt now value the brilliant defender at £5.4m, which is a 200% increase from his initial valuation after leaving Croatia. His valuation has soared over the last couple of seasons and that is a credit to him and the coaching staff at Ibrox.

It shows how much he has been able to thrive under Gerrard’s management, showcasing his brilliance in the Premiership and in the Europa League.

Last season, he averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 6.97 in Europe as he registered three goals and three assists in 10 appearances from left-back, yet again highlighting the ability he has on the ball to create from defence.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterstroke: Rangers colossus has seen value rise 650% since joining the club…

West Ham United slumped to their second Premier League defeat of the season as they were beaten by Yoane Wissa’s last-minute winner at the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ men looked to be settling for a point against Brentford after Jarrod Bowen fired a driven shot past the visiting goalkeeper in the 80th minute to cancel out Bryan Mbeumo’s fortuitous opener.

But the super substitute scored with the last kick of the game to hand the Bees all three points.

Plenty of the Irons’ key starters were simply not at the races on the afternoon, including Tomas Soucek, who had a ‘shocker’ according to the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser, and veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who was beaten far too easily for both goals.

However, on his return from injury, Vladimir Coufal looked some way off it. Perhaps he was rushed back too soon. He looked leggy, he looked error-prone and he was just not at his usually impressive high standard, at both ends of the pitch.

The Czech Republic right-back was well-beaten in the air by Pontus Jansson, who saw his header glance into the path of the goalscoring Wissa.

Earning a 6.7 rating on SofaScore, the 29-year-old defender was rather wasteful with the ball, managing only 23 passes at a success rate of just 55% – the worst of any outfield player – and he lost possession a match-high 29 times.

It meant he lost the ball every three minutes and once every 2.4 touches (71 total).

In attack, Coufal managed just one accurate cross from eight attempts, whilst he failed to make a single long ball from eight attempts, meaning Michail Antonio had very little to feed off, so you can forgive the 31-year-old talisman for looking quieter than usual.

Elsewhere, the £18m-rated dynamo committed two fouls, handing the game back to the Bees even more, and managed just one tackle and no interceptions or blocks either.

football.london graded his performance a 5/10, which was amongst some of the lowest ratings in the squad for this encounter.

As a player that has averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game this campaign, via WhoScored, it’s evident that Coufal was some way off his usual performance level.

He was one of several Hammers players to severely let his manager down as they slipped down to ninth in the table.

AND in other news, Newman could become an instant hit at West Ham by signing £36m-rated “world-beater”…

West Ham have been handed new hope in their pursuit of former loan star Jesse Lingard after an encouraging update emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Manchester United will look to sell the England international in a cut-price £15m deal this January, should he not sign a contract extension.

Lingard remained at Old Trafford to try and fight for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but that hasn’t gone to plan, despite the Red Devils hierarchy offering him a new deal in the region of £135k-per-week.

United do not want to risk losing him for nothing in the summer, so they are prepared to sell him for half of what the Irons were said to be quoted (£30m) in the summer.

The 28-year-old is open to staying, having been at the club for over 20 years, but would like to be reassured about his playing time – something he may find difficult following the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho this summer.

January repeat?

It was no secret that West Ham wanted Lingard to return after a sensation loan spell last season, that much was made obvious by the management staff in the press.:

Following the final game of the season, Hammers boss David Moyes told reporters, via the Evening Standard:

“I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player. But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up.”

That view was reinforced by his assistant Stuart Pearce right before the transfer deadline.

“We would like him to come and join us. That has been an open secret. He was wonderful last year,” he told talkSPORT before later adding: “We would like him with us, there is no doubt about that. He’s a special lad and was very good around the players – the players really like him.”

You’d imagine if there was an opportunity to sign him in the winter, the pair of them would certainly consider it, with good reason too as the English maestro contributed nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances to help steer the east Londoners into the Europa League.

The Irons did bolster their attacking midfielder department with a considerable investment in former Everton flop Nikola Vlasic, who signed from CSKA Moscow in a €30m (£26m) deal.

But he has struggled to adapt to life back in the Premier League and looks a shadow of Lingard, in most aspects so far, having failed to contribute a single goal or assist in six outings.

Lingard would slot right back in at the London Stadium and for just £15m, it would be quite the steal and it saves the risk of him signing elsewhere, particularly abroad on a pre-contract agreement.

His game time at Old Trafford will continue to remain slim barring any major injuries or suspensions, so he would surely be open to returning to West Ham.

This latest update should leave many around east London buzzing, including Moyes and Pearce.

AND in other news, 108 touches, 82 passes: West Ham titan may be back to his best after int’l masterclass…

Crystal Palace must revive their interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke over the coming months after missing out on him in the previous window.

What’s the story?

The Eagles were one of several Premier League sides heavily linked with a move for the highly-rated 19-year-old in the summer after he enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2020/21.

However, Madueke decided to turn down interest from his homeland and sign a new contract at the Philips Stadion, committing his future to the Eredivisie giants until 2025.

Despite the teenager putting pen to paper on fresh terms with PSV, the Dutch outfit are a selling club, and their prized assets are always available for the right price, meaning Palace would be wise to resurrect their interest in the England U21 international.

Crystal Palace must revive interest

After leaving Tottenham Hotspur back in 2018 in search of regular first-team minutes, Madueke, who is valued at £16.2m, has established himself as one of Dutch football’s most exciting prospects.

The London-born attacker contributed nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for them last term, catching the eye of several impressed onlookers, including his former national team manager Aidy Boothroyd.

“He’s certainly a very talented young man, really excited to be called up by the Under 21s, and a little bit like Phil (Foden) last time, nobody had really heard of him until he came and played in the tournament,” said Boothroyd ahead of the European Championships.

“They knew a little bit about him, but that set him off on a trajectory, and we’re hoping Noni can create even more positive attention for the way that they play. He’s got a lovely infectious character that comes out even over the phone.”

And he appears to have elevated his game to new heights this time around. In just 14 appearances for Roger Schmidt’s side, Madueke has bagged six goals and provided one assist, highlighting his incredible potential and ruthlessness in attack.

With Palace’s squad lacking a natural right-winger following the departure of Andros Townsend, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Madueke over the next couple of transfer windows, providing Patrick Vieira with a balanced attack.

And, in other news…75% duels won, 96 touches: Palace monster shines on the international stage 

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that ENIC’s reported plans to invest in Belgian club Standard Liege could be hugely beneficial for Tottenham.

The lowdown: ENIC considering Standard Liege investment

Earlier this month, Belgian football journalist Sacha Tavolieri tweeted that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been in talks with Standard Liege chief Bruno Venanzi over the establishment of a partnership between the two clubs.

Venanzi intends to sell his shares in the Jupiler Pro Leagye outfit and Tottenham’s ENIC ownership are reportedly the closest to taking over the shares, a move which could lead to Standard Liege become a feeder club for Spurs.

The latest: Maguire approves of proposed Spurs-Liege partnership

Speaking to Football Insider about the reported link-up, Maguire thinks that it could be a shrewd move from ENIC in terms of establishing formal links between Tottenham and Standard Liege.

He said: “I’ve heard from agents that Brexit is going to have a more detrimental effect on the English game than Covid. The reason is that it will be longer term in nature.

“By having a relationship with another club which can recruit players at the age of 16 is beneficial. It means they can continue to recruit from the European talent pool.

“By having synergies, like we have seen with the City football group, there is not a culture change when these young players arrive.

“I think this makes a lot of sense from ENIC. It think it would be hugely beneficial for Spurs in the long run.”

The verdict: Partnership could help Spurs

As Maguire points out, there are already some clear partnerships between English clubs and those on the continent, such as Manchester City’s links with the likes of Girona and Chelsea often sending players on loan to Vitesse Arnhem. The Red Bull chain as seen with players moving from Salzburg to Leipzig is another prime example.

The establishment of a formal partnership between Tottenham and Standard Liege could benefit Spurs two-fold. Aside from having a clear connection to potentially snap up promising talent from Belgium, the north London club could also utilise the loan market to send young or fringe players to Liege for a greater chance of gaining senior game-time before returning to N17.

It should be interesting to see if ENIC invest in the Belgian club, and the potential effects that could have on Tottenham.

In other news: John Wenham has expressed his delight over another off-field partnership involving Spurs

A number of Liverpool supporters have bemoaned Jurgen Klopp’s confirmation that midfielder Naby Keita has suffered a hamstring injury.

The Reds suffered a disappointing day at the office on Saturday afternoon, drawing 2-2 at home to Brighton and producing a sloppy performance.

After the highs of winning 5-0 away to Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp’s suffered a reality check in the Premier League title race.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

Liverpool made a flying start to the game, leading 2-0 inside 25 minutes, but Keita went off injured in the first half and the hosts never seemed to recover fully from that point onwards.

After the game, Klopp confirmed that the Guinean told him he had a hamstring issue [via David Lynch on Twitter], in what is the latest injury setback for a player who has been riddled with them since coming to Anfield three years ago.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-9/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans livid at Keita injury news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to rue the news on Keita, providing their thoughts on the latest setback to a player who had been in a rich vein of form recently.

“All this guy does is break my heart”

Credit: @kopite4ever1

“See you in February Naby lad”

Credit: @LFCArran

“Of course he has”

Credit: @dlmjnk

“Ugghhh……”

Credit: @OLSC_OC

“So tired of this guy I’m sorry”

Credit: @ZuhairAndThere

“He was on good form as well, that’s a big blow for the Reds, hamstring will keep him out for 5-6weeks min”

Credit: @zeiyad_m

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against Brighton. Find out who it is here.

Everton could be about to add another exciting option to their attacking talents after it was revealed they are currently monitoring the situation of Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.

What’s the story?

According to Football League World, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs hoping to capitalise on the 20-year-old’s ongoing contract dispute.

Johnson’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, but Forest boss Steve Cooper is now believed to be taking on an active role in the negotiations in an attempt to convince the youngster to commit his long-term future to the club.

However, with Johnson still undecided over his next step, an extensive list of potential suitors are keeping a close eye over proceedings.

The report states that: “There is Premier League interest still in the forward, though, after Brentford’s failed attempts to sign him in the summer. Everton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion are keeping close tabs on him.”

Imagine him and Dominic Calvert-Lewin

New manager Rafa Benitez already boasts a talented first-choice forward line at Goodison Park, but the Spanish tactician has found the strength in depth lacking in recent weeks.

With injuries to key men Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the opening weeks of the current campaign, the likes of Alex Iwobi and Salomon Rondon have filled in with little success.

Therefore, director of football Marcel Brands must seal a move for Johnson ahead of his domestic rivals over the coming months, adding another exciting, talented, young English forward to Everton’s squad alongside the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray.

During his season-long loan spell with Lincoln City throughout 2020/21, Johnson played a crucial role as Michael Appleton’s Imps reached the League One play-off final, bagging 13 goals and providing a further 14 assists in 48 appearances.

And the youngster has carried that eye-catching form into the Championship this term. In 16 outings for Steve Cooper’s charges, he’s notched up three goals and three assists, impressing former striker Glenn Murray along the way.

“For me, Brennan, he just looks special. He just looks a cut above, and he’s destined for the top,” Murray told Sky Sports (as relayed by Nottingham Forest News).

“Yes, he’s not getting everything right at the moment, but he looks at the top-level easily. I expect a really big future from him.”

Therefore, a move for Johnson over the winter window could made sense for Everton for several reasons. His price tag is unlikely to break the bank, and the potential for him to form a formidable partnership with the club’s existing attacking options, particularly star man Calvert-Lewin, is a mouth-watering prospect.

It remains to be seen whether the Merseyside outfit follow up their interest with a concrete offer, but he’s certainly someone who would bring some excitement back to Goodison Park.

And, in other news…Heir to Mina: Everton plot £20m move for 6ft7 “quality footballer”, fans will love him 

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have shared their thoughts after hearing what new minority shareholder Daniel Kretinsky may now have planned.

The Czech billionaire officially completed his purchase of a 27% stake in West Ham on Wednesday, which is estimated to be worth between £180m and £200m (The Telegraph).

Reliable reports suggest that Kretinsky’s involvement with the club could boost David Moyes’ and his ability to spend in the transfer market, with the so-called ‘Czech Sphinx’ possessing a personal fortune of around £2.9bn.

Becoming a minority shareholder in a deal which will also see him named on the West Ham board of directors, the 46-year-old’s ties with Sparta Prague as co-owner are also viewed as something to keep an eye upon.

Links to their exciting young striker Adam Hlozek have re-emerged as a result of this off-field development, and while not quite going that far, The Telegraph have just lifted the lid on one of Kretinsky’s first plans for West Ham.

They claimed that the Czech magnate ‘will propose a partnership’ between Sparta and the Hammers as a ‘potential player development line’ for Moyes.

With that potentially being the first step towards building a fruitful relationship with the Fortuna Liga giants, it’s little wonder that West Ham fans are excited at the prospect of a budding partnership, with a couple of supporters calling this news ‘exciting’.

Check out some of their best verdicts below.

West Ham fans flock to Kretinsky claim…

“Love that”

Credit: @Mahoney

“Be snapping his arm off to do this as a perfect league to get our players out to develop in the men’s game & also be playing EL football most seasons too. Added benefit will be getting the likes of Hlozek & others as Sparta can “offer” a pathway to the EPL for young Czech players.”

Credit: @mhare641

“I’d better get a Sparta Prague shirt to go with my Slavia one”

Credit: @ShaneBailey92

“Can’t wait to see Hlozek in claret and blue”

Credit: @sharnidanc92

“If they get consistent European football too, would be great for our youth to get experience with them”

Credit: @nathh_whu

“Exciting times lay ahead…Make sure we sign Hlozek too!”

Credit: @SweeneyWestHam

“This sounds exciting!”

Credit: @olliejcoe

In other news: ‘Huge’…Sky pundit thrilled as West Ham eye ‘massive signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.

The current crisis at Manchester United is showing no signs of drawing to a conclusion as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s woes grow ever larger.

What’s the story?

United’s latest defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Manchester City was their sixth of the campaign in all competitions and saw them drop to sixth place in the Premier League table.

Their poor performances and dismal results have led to intensifying pressure on Solskjaer’s shoulders, with several star names linked with replacing the Norwegian tactician in the Old Trafford dugout.

The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick have been touted as possible successors, but The Athletic’s Red Devils reporter Laurie Whitwell has claimed a new managerial arrival is not on the horizon.

Relaying Whitwell’s comments online, the United Journal tweeted: “I genuinely believe that Manchester United are not talking to any other candidates in a serious manner with a view towards (an) appointment.”

Manchester United fans will be fuming

Although Solskjaer has done vasts amount of good work throughout his two-and-a-half-year reign in the red half of Manchester, large sections of the club’s supporters are growing increasingly frustrated at the club’s displays.

Bar the opening day victory over Leeds United, the 20-time English champions have been below-par all season, resulting in humiliating defeats to Liverpool, City and Young Boys.

Their sub-standard season has led to a protest being organised by some fans who are calling for Solskjaer to be sacked and the Glazer family to relinquish their ownership of the club.

As a result, Whitwell’s latest revelation is likely to leave those supporters fuming, with no end in sight for the Scandinavian’s tenure.

It will be a huge shame if the 48-year-old isn’t fondly remembered by those associated with United in years to come after overseeing an extensive squad rebuild, achieving consecutive top-four finishes and blooding several exciting youngsters into the first-team squad.

Ultimately, though, things will have to drastically improve at the Theatre of Dreams if Solskjaer is to keep his job in the long-term, but it seems as though he’ll be given time to turn things around.

And, in other news…Imagine him and VDB: Man Utd must hire Ole alternative with a 73% win percentage