Many Leicester City fans have discussed Marc Albrighton as the wide man turned 30.
Albrighton is undoubtedly a hero at the King Power. Deemed not good enough for Aston Villa, the wide-midfielder was subsequently dished out by the club, and was picked up on a free transfer by Leicester City in 2014 – what a signing that turned out to be.
He has featured 191 times for the Foxes, scoring 13 goals and assisting a hefty 32 times. Despite never playing for England, he was instrumental in Leicester’s title-winning season; he played every match, scored twice and assisted seven times as Claudio Ranieri’s side did the unthinkable.
Since then, he has been a consistent performer in the East Midlands, racking up many more appearances and top performances in the process, helping the Foxes reach the level they are now.
Many fans wished the legend a happy birthday, and also discussed the player from a footballing context. One said he had a ‘wand of a right’ foot, others discussed how ‘underrated’ he is.
Tottenham Hotspur are a club with a proud tradition of promoting talented youngsters into the first team before they become international superstars.
For example, the likes of Ledley King, Harry Kane and he who must not be named all played in the club’s youth set-up before getting their chance in the first team and grabbing it with both hands.
That said, it has been a good few years since an academy product has successfully made the jump to first team star, but that could soon change.
Harry Kane scores for Tottenham.
While the media’s attention has been transfixed on Arsenal’s young Ethan Nwaneri, the Lilywhites may have an even more talented youngster on their hands.
Why fans are excited about Nwaneri
Okay, so before we move on to Spurs’ dazzling young talent, let’s examine why there is so much excitement around Nwaneri.
The Hale End prospect first caught the attention of the wider footballing world when, at just 15 years old, he became the youngest Premier League player of all time in September 2022.
However, he wouldn’t play another minute of competitive first-team football until the club’s 6-0 win over West Ham United last season.
Then, he finally made his full debut in the League Cup against Bolton Wanderers last week, in which he scored a brace and generally looked ready to contribute going forward.
Now, his development this season is exciting in and of itself, but it is also his impressive youth record that has led to such hype.
In 52 appearances for the Gunners’ various junior sides, the Enfield-born gem has racked up 27 goals and ten assists, which equates to an average of a goal involvement every 1.40 games.
While it might not be what Spurs fans want to hear, Arsenal have a star on their hands with Nwaneri, but the good news is that the Lilywhites have their own sensational youngster who could be even better.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Spurs' very own Ethan Nwaneri
Yes, it shouldn’t surprise some of you, but Spurs’ tremendously promising academy gem is 17-year-old Mikey Moore.
Like the Gunners’ young prospect, the “outstanding” Lilywhites ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has now made five first-team appearances.
However, unlike his potential future rival, he has not been given the opportunity to start, but given how impressive his form has been for the junior sides, his first start is more a matter of when and not if.
For example, in just 33 games for Tottenham’s various junior sides, the “magnificent talent”, as Kulig describes him, has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists.
This means he’s been averaging a goal involvement once every 0.94 games in the academy, which is a noticeably better average than Nwaneri’s.
Appearances
33
52
Goals
20
27
Assists
15
10
Goal Involvements per Match
1.06
0.70
Moreover, while the pair have now moved up to England’s U19 squad, they really established themselves as future internationals in the U17 side, and in this age range, once again, Tottenham’s young prospect had the better numbers.
In his 12 games for the team, the Southwark gem scored ten goals and provided four assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 0.85 games, while the young Gunner scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 28 games, equating to an average of a goal involvement once every 1.64 games.
Ultimately, both clubs have extraordinarily gifted academy products in Nwaneri and Moore, but if their youth records are anything to go by, then Postecoglou and Spurs fans can rejoice in the fact that they may well have the more talented prospect.
Spurs may have just unearthed their new Christian Eriksen vs Man Utd
The incredible international is on fire at the moment.
Chelsea are heading into the international break fourth in the Premier League after their disappointing 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were on a five-game win streak, which has now been put to a stop by Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Enzo Maresca’s side controlled proceedings, holding 67% possession, taking 22 shots, and generating 2.27 xG in the game. Noni Madueke scored his fifth goal of the season in all competitions, now making it five goals in eight games played.
The biggest negative from the game is that Chelsea defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana will now miss the Liverpool game due to suspension, after both picking up yellow cards against Forest.
Marc Cucurella's start to the season
The 26-year-old defender has started every Premier League game so far this season for the Blues, and will now miss the Liverpool game, after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season already.
Often praised for his aggression on the pitch and ability to win duels, this does come with the caveat of the odd foul and poor challenge.
Against Forest, Cucurella played 90 minutes, was dribbled past twice, only won two of his six ground duels and two of his six aerial duels (losing 67% of his duels in the match), whilst also being booked. This wasn’t his best outing of the season – handed a 5/10 match rating by GOAL – and now Maresca will be forced into a change to his Premier League defensive lineup.
Luckily for Chelsea, this summer, the Blues invested in a new left-sided defender, who can play left-back, left centre-back, and even central midfield, with the signing of Renato Veiga from Basel for around £12m.
The 21-year-old could now be in line for his second Premier League start of the season.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
How Veiga compares to Cucurella
Veiga has already made eight appearances for the Blues this season, scoring one goal, providing one assist, and totalling 487 minutes played.
The Portuguese Swiss-Army knife has started all of their domestic and European cup games, as well as one Premier League game, where he started alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield.
The 21-year-old offers a much more physical frame for Chelsea in defence, Veiga standing at 6 foot 3, compared to the smaller frame of Cucurella, standing at just 5 foot 8. Now with the Spain international suspended, Veiga may well get his chance to stake his claim as the starting left-back.
Progressive Carries
2.40
0.91
Progressive Passes
6.40
2.91
Passes Attempted
71.2
57.6
Pass Completion %
88.2%
87.7%
Passes into Final Third
6.00
4.18
Tackles
3.60
1.27
Blocks
1.60
1.64
Interceptions
1.18
0.81
Aerials Won
0.80
1.27
Aerials Won %
50.0%
35.0%
Ironically, despite their height, one of the metrics Cucurella does beat out Veiga in is aerials won. However, the former Basel defender does win a higher percentage of his headers, winning 50.0% of the aerials he contests, compared to the 35.0% of Cucurella.
The Euro 2024 winner has played nearly double Veiga’s minutes, so the per 90 metrics need to be analysed with this in mind, but they do tell us the level of the Portuguese left-back, who excels in progressive metrics ahead of Cucurella, whilst still providing excellent defensive numbers; more than double the number of tackles per 90.
Veiga clearly has all the tools to be a brilliant modern-day fullback, adding height to the backline, whilst adding technical quality in possession too. Now, with Cucurella out against Liverpool, the 21-year-old will have his chance to secure the left-back spot for the future which could well mean the end for the Spaniard’s time as a regular starter.
Chelsea must rue losing "unstoppable" ace who's now worth more than Sancho
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to bench a high-profile member of his squad for their blockbuster clash away to Premier League title rivals Man City on Sunday, with the Spaniard seemingly making a decision on his team already.
Man City vs Arsenal – team news and injury updates
The Gunners travel to Manchester for their third huge game of the week, having already beaten north London rivals Tottenham 1-0 in the derby last weekend and thereafter coming away from Atalanta with a 0-0 draw in the Champions League on Thursday night.
Arteta handed possible Odegaard injury boost after initial Arsenal fears
The Norway captain has suffered significant ankle ligament damage.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 21, 2024
Arsenal will be in good spirits after this promising run of results without key players, most notably club captain and chief creator Martin Odegaard. The Norway international sustained “significant” ankle ligament damage on international duty, and has been absent from the field ever since as he continues his recovery.
“The scan showed some damage around the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him,” said Arteta in an Odegaard injury update before Atalanta.
“It’s something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months. He’s our captain, he’s been one of the biggest and best players in our team. Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It’s a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face.”
Man City (away)
September 22
Leicester City (home)
September 28
Southampton (home)
October 5
Bournemouth (away)
October 19
Liverpool (home)
October 27
There were initial fears that the 25-year-old could be absent till Christmas, but reports since have claimed that Arsenal are hopeful Odegaard could return for their match against Liverpool on October 27.
Meanwhile, summer signing Mikel Merino is sidelined with a shoulder fracture, so he is also set to miss their face-off against City. The Spain international joins Kieran Tierney (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) – who have been missing through injury as well.
On the opposing side, Kevin De Bruyne is an injury doubt for Man City, and supporters will be hoping that the Belgian misses out on what is an absolutely pivotal clash. Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are ruled out against Arsenal, but apart from that, City have a near-fully fit squad.
Arsenal set to bench Raheem Sterling against Man City
The absences of Merino and Odegaard give Arteta a real selection headache. Despite his effectiveness in a makeshift centre-forward role, Kai Havertz was dropped into midfield against Atalanta with Gabriel Jesus playing up top instead.
This arguably stifled Arsenal’s usual attacking flair, especially without Odegaard, so it will be interesting to see if Arteta opts to do the same thing against City. According to GiveMeSport, one man he won’t be turning to right from the off is summer signing Raheem Sterling.
The Englishman, who Arsenal are paying around £163,000-per-week during his loan from Chelsea, is yet to make his full debut for the Gunners – instead settling for cameos off the bench against Spurs and Atalanta.
GMS write that Arteta is set to bench Sterling against Man City once again, so it appears the 29-year-old will have to wait a little while longer for his first start. It is unclear how the Spaniard is planning to use Sterling over the course of 2024/2025, but Arteta has revealed that the ex-Liverpool and City star is desperate to prove his worth.
“When someone has got that in his belly you sense it straight away,” said Arteta on Sterling. “Obviously, I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team.
“What I see is hunger. He is a player who wants to play every minute of every game. When that is not the case he’s not happy.”
As the chaos at Chelsea unfolded last season, culminating in a bottom-half finish in the Premier League, Levi Colwill was enjoying life on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, helping Roberto de Zerbi’s side to an incredible Europa League finish, placing above the defender’s parent club in the process.Now back at Stamford Bridge, Colwill has attracted plenty of interest, with Brighton attempting, and quickly failing, to turn their loan move permanent as they saw a £30m bid rejected at the start of the summer, and Liverpool showing plenty of signs that they’d like to welcome the England U21 international to Anfield this summer.For instance, England U21 teammate Harvey Elliott has been quick to tease the transfer target, commenting on his recent Instagram post to say that they should talk, before deleting the comment.In truth whenever Colwill’s future is brought up, he has quickly shut it down, with the latest moment coming on his friend’s Instagram Live.
Levi Colwill shuts down talks over future
Appearing on the live stream – which was later circulated on Twitter – Colwill’s friend said: “Levi to Liverpool.”
The Chelsea man then bluntly responded with: “No football talk, man.”
So, it seems as though he is keen to keep his guard up for the time being, with it being anyone’s guess which team he’ll be playing for come the end of the transfer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea’s current position is that Colwill is not for sale this summer, and are looking to tie the defender down to a new contract.
Speaking about the reported Liverpool target, new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino recently said: “I need to get a feel for him, I need to hear what he has in his mind, what he expects. Then, of course, it’s gonna be time for him to listen to what I expect from him.”
The new boss added: “He’s a Chelsea player and in the last few months at Brighton he was playing really well. He is one of our players and I need to talk with him when he arrives next week”.
According to Football London, Liverpool remain interested in Colwill, with plenty of twists and turns to potentially come in the current window.
What is Levi Colwill’s current market value?
After Brighton reportedly had their £40m bid rejected earlier in the window, it’s clear that Chelsea would be expecting a large fee for their defender if they were to sanction a deal this summer.
As per Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old is currently worth €30m (£17.05m), meaning that clubs would technically be overpaying this summer. That said, a young defender with the potential that Colwill has can be priceless in today’s market.
As of right now, Colwill’s current contract expires in the summer of 2025. And, whilst that gives him a couple of years at Chelsea, the Blues will be keen to avoid losing him for free when he’s just 22 years old, and likely to improve as he continues on his upward trajectory – having just won the U21 Euros with England.
The last thing they’ll want is another top-six side in the Premier League getting hold of the centre-back. They’ve already strengthened, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this summer with the departures of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Mateo Kovacic. Now, they’ll surely need to avoid losing Colwill too.
One reason Everton chairman Bill Kenwright may have survived the exodus of the clubs board of directors is that owner Farhad Moshiri cannot afford to buy the club shares off of the chairman, Paul Brown exclusively told FootballFanCast.
Kenwright first joined the Toffees as a director in 1989 and owns 1.3% of the Merseyside outfit.
What is the latest between Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright?
Everton recently announced the departures of a number of directors and their replacements, in a move that has been brewing for a long time in response to the numerous fan protests throughout the season regarding their mismanagement of the club.
It was expected that Kenwright would be stepping down from his role at the same time as the three other departures, however, following talks with Moshiri, the 77-year-old was convinced to stay on in order to help the club through the "transitional period" they are undergoing.
The news was met with anger and disappointment by many Everton fan groups, who have been calling for the removal of "the most unsuccessful chairman in our history" since January 2023. The #AllTogetherNow group released a statement, stating: “We call for the immediate removal of the chairman of this football club – who has been the most unsuccessful chairman in our history. For the football club to move forward, and fans to unite, this without doubt has to happen.
The protests will not cease and will only further intensify if you [Moshiri] allow ‘Chairman Bill’ to stumble on, continuing to fail in his position, despite clear evidence for a need for change. We ask you to respond without delay to this loyal fanbase, do not cause any further unnecessary hold up to a deadline that the football club’s leadership team set out.”
However, Paul Brown has revealed that there may be another reason behind why Kenwright was kept in his role at the club.
What has Paul Brown said regarding the Everton board situation?
Speaking to FootballFanCast, Brown revealed that Moshiri isn't currently in a positon to go through with the deal he has agreed with Kenwright to buy the chairmans shares.
The journalist said: "The problem is this agreement that the pair have for Moshiri to buy Kenwright's shares. There are two issues there. I don't think Moshiri is currently in a position to be increasing his own shareholding at Everton and I think he may not quite simply have the cash to do that the cash available to do that."
How can Moshiri solve this problem?
Kenwright's continued presence in the club and the confusion it has brought could be what is delaying the proposed investment into the club by American-based MSP Sports Capital.
Moshiri has been searching for new investors to help finance the club's new stadium which is currently being built at Bramley-Moore Dock, and MSP are willing to do that. In return, the froup will receive a number of seats on Everton's new-look board of directors.
One solution could be MSP Sports Capital purchases Kenwright's shares directly, however, it is unknown whether the deal that has been agreed between himself and Moshiri will be the same deal offered to the American group.
Another solution is that Everton removes Kenwright from his position on the board whilst he keeps his shares at the club. That would appease the disgruntled fanbase, but it is unknown whether that puts the potential investment deal in jeopardy.
Whatever the plan is, the club and Moshiri have to sort it out fast, as there is a lot of work to do if the Toffees want to avoid another season like last.
An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…
What’s the latest on Jesper Lindstrom to Newcastle?
According to German outlet BILD, Eddie Howe is eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Eintracht Frankfurt central midfielder Jesper Lindstrom in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Premier League side are competing with Italian giants AC Milan to land the Denmark international over the coming weeks. There would be a hint of irony to that should they beat the Italian side to his signature given they are set to sign Sandro Tonali from them.
The report further states that the Bundesliga team are set to demand a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) for his services and that the Magpies would not have an issue with matching that figure if they decide to act upon their interest in his services.
Where would Jesper Lindstrom fit in at Newcastle?
The Frankfurt talent is a versatile midfielder who is capable of playing through the middle or out wide on either flank and his arrival could be terrible news for Elliot Anderson.
Newcastle’s academy graduate burst into the first team last season and made 22 Premier League appearances, although only three of those outings came from the start.
Anderson, like Lindstrom, predominantly plays in the middle of the park along with being able to feature on either the right or left flank. The Scottish playmaker registered one assist and zero top-flight goals for the Toon Army last term, while his average Sofascore rating of 6.64 placed him 21st within the squad (out of 24).
These statistics show that the 20-year-old prodigy struggled to nail down a regular spot in the team and was unable to prove himself worthy of more minutes with the opportunities that Howe did send his way.
He could find himself needing to look for a loan move elsewhere or face the prospect of his game time dwindling as the signing of Lindstrom on top of the incoming Tonali would place further obstacles in his way.
Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom.
The Frankfurt ace, like Anderson, is an attacking midfielder who can also be deployed on the flanks, which suggests that the 23-year-old ace would be directly competing with the Toon academy graduate for a place in the team.
Lindstrom's Bundesliga form over the last two seasons also indicates that he would be a better option, in the immediate future, for Howe in those positions.
The Danish wizard has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.77 or higher since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and contributed with 12 goals alongside six assists, while he has also created 12 'big chances' for his teammates, in 48 league outings.
His impressive tally of seven Bundesliga goals last term was more than any central midfielder managed for Newcastle in the Premier League, with Joelinton's six strikes leading the way in that area of the pitch.
Therefore, Lindstrom, who was once hailed as "unique" by reporter Jacque Talbot, could add an improved goalscoring threat in midfield for Howe, while leaving Anderson at risk of a reduced role and a potential need to look elsewhere for game time.
Sunderland are eyeing up a move for soon-to-be free agent Morgan Fox, according to reports.
What’s the latest Sunderland transfer news?
The Black Cats and Tony Mowbray appear to be on the search for more summer signings following a successful first season back in the Championship which saw the reach the playoffs.
Jobe Bellingham, Luis Semedo and Nectarios Triantis have all already penned terms at The Stadium of Light, and it looks as if the club are interested in adding to their attacking ranks even further with a move for former loanee Elis Simms.
Reports have suggested that Sunderland and Ipswich Town have made bids for the Everton forward, with a decision to be made soon on his future. However, alongside Simms, another target has now emerged on the club’s radar in Fox.
According to Football League World, Sunderland are one of four second-tier sides who are interested in signing Fox over the coming months.
The defender is set to officially become a free agent when his Stoke City contract expires at the end of the month, with Sunderland, Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United all keen on a move.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.
Who is Morgan Fox?
Fox is primarily a left-back but can also turn out as a centre-back if required and is valued at €700,000 by Transfermarkt. The 29-year-old has represented a number of Football League sides throughout his career, making more than 100 appearances for both Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.
The £10,000-a-week defender has spent the majority of his career in the Championship, turning out in the division on 239 occasions – 40 of which came during the 2022/23 campaign.
Fox has played against Sunderland on two occasions and has won both meetings, and due to his experience and versatility, could prove to be a smart signing. Mowbray has a shortage of left-backs as well, with just Dennis Cirkin his only senior option, which further highlights how a transfer could be a shrewd one, and by the looks of it, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.
West Ham United can sign a higher calibre of player this summer with money to spend and European football to offer, yet it might well be a Nottingham Forest player they go after in terms of attacking options.
Are West Ham United interested in signing Brennan Johnson?
According to The Athletic, West Ham are "monitoring" Brennan Johnson's situation at Forest, who are said to be willing to cash in on one of their prized assets if the right offer is tabled.
Johnson has adapted well to the Premier League, has three years to run on his contract and is also attracting interest from the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Brentford, meaning Forest will not sell on the cheap.
Indeed, the report indicates that the £30m bid mooted by Brentford could fall as much as £20m short of the Reds' asking price for the Wales international.
What can Brennan Johnson bring to West Ham United?
That reputed £50m valuation will certainly make West Ham think twice, but Johnson's time at Forest does suggest he is a possible superstar in the making, one that is on a similar trajectory to former international colleague Gareth Bale.
Once described as an "unbelievable asset" by Wales boss Rob Page, Johnson can be pleased with his return of eight goals and three assists in his debut top-flight campaign – only Morgan Gibbs-White (13) could better those 11 direct goal involvements among Forest players.
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton transfers, Everton transfer news, Michail Antonio
With 0.34 goal involvements per 90 last season, as per FBref, Johnson ranked higher than the likes of Jarrod Bowen (0.31), Lucas Paqueta (0.29), Gianluca Scamacca (0.29) and Pablo Fornals (0.24) among West Ham players.
That came on the back of a season in which the 22-year-old scored 18 goals and set up 10 in helping Forest to promotion to the Premier League, seeing him crowned the Championship's Young Player of the Season.
It is not just in terms of goals and assists in which Johnson stands out, either.
The Welshman registered 2.70 progressive carries per 90 minutes last season – defined as carrying the ball at least 10 yards towards the opponent's goal – which was bettered by only three West Ham players.
Some may look down on signing a player from Forest, one of their relegation rivals last season, rather than exploring the European market for a bigger name. But it is not like West Ham have not had joy signing players from Forest down the years.
Look no further than Michail Antonio, who has been a huge fan favourite in east London since joining from the Reds in 2015.
The winger-cum-striker has made 276 appearances for the Irons and has scored 75 goals, with 61 of those coming in the Premier League to make him their record scorer in the competition.
Antonio scored eight goals and assisted three in his first season at Premier League level in 2015-16, incidentally, which is the exact number Johnson managed in his debut season in the competition with Forest.
West Ham signed Antonio for a far smaller fee of roughly £7m, but in the current market, and with Johnson only just turning 22, the versatile forward may well be worth the punt.
Liverpool will be searching for the best talent on the globe to enrich the club's underbelly, and Turkish Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler could be the answer.
That's according to Turkish outlet Aksam (via Sport Witness), who claim that Jurgen Klopp's Reds – alongside Barcelona – 'want' the 18-year-old prospect after his stunning start to life in the Turkish Super Lig and that they have 'accelerated attempts' as the 22/23 campaign concludes.
A dynamic ace, Guler's availability is complicated by Fenerbahce's desire to keep him at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for one more year, with two seasons remaining on his existing contract.
Liverpool would be expected to pay around £20m for the teenage talent to pluck him from Turkish clutches, and while this might seem somewhat steep for a starlet so soon into their career at top level, his discernible aptitude as a first-rate prospect should warrant a swoop from one of Europe's biggest clubs, and Klopp would be wise to ensure that he is brought to Anfield.
How good is Arda Guler?
It's been an impressive season for this young gem. Having posted three goals and assists apiece from just two starting appearances in the league last term, Guler has carried on his feats into the present campaign and has scored six goals and supplied six assists from 34 appearances across all competitions.
It's the regularity of his brilliant performances at the maiden stage of his career that will have been so arresting to the likes of Klopp and co, with Sofascore recording Guler's average league rating this season at an impressive 7.48, with his seven direct contributions from just 11 starts complemented by an average of 1.7 shots and two key passes per game, an 85% pass completion rate and an illustration of his defensive work with 1.3 tackles per match.
Guler's strength across a variety of positions – namely the right-wing, attacking midfield and centre of the park – bears a certain resemblance to that of one Kevin De Bruyne, with the Manchester City phenomenon also playing as a winger in his early days before dropping centrally and deeper as he progressed into the prime of his career.
Indeed, preceding his £55m transfer to the Citizens, De Bruyne would frequent the flanks alongside his usual deployment as a central attacking midfielder, with the treble-winning Belgian now one of the most distinguished modern gems with an incredible seasonal haul of ten goals and 31 assists from 49 matches this season.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Guler, who already has an eye for goals and assists and a steady creative output – with his two key passes per game – is a "serious talent", according to Duncan Castles, and could be moulded into one of Europe's best under Klopp's wing.
The German manager has done it before – Gini Wijnaldum and Harvey Elliott were both moved from more attack-focussed roles, Alexis Mac Allister will likely be featured as a robust and industrious central option after signing this summer, veering away from his abilities further up-field.
And Guler, who has been riding the crest of a wave during his early years and hailed as a prospect with "no limit" by Andrea Pirlo, could be the latest addition, emulating someone of De Bruyne's ilk and flourishing as a devastating force for years to come on Merseyside.