All posts by h716a5.icu

16 goals and 20 assists is an exceptional return for any player in any top league in Europe, and it’s even more incredible when you discover those are the stats of a defender.

Rangers captain James Tavernier has been nothing short of incredible this season, establishing himself as one of the best fullbacks in the country and a leader who can take the Gers to glory in the not too distant future, but after such an impressive goal output, interest is bound to come, and that has been the case.

According to the Daily Mail, both Southampton and Brighton are interested in the 27-year-old right-back, who is valued at £1.8 million on Transfermarkt, and although a big money move to the Premier League might be tempting for both Tavernier and the board, the club must do all they can to keep hold of their captain.

The right-back is an exceptional oddity in the world of football, a defender who is as dangerous going forward as he is defending, and whilst fans would fear losing the likes of Alfredo Morelos more at first, losing Tavernier would be a disaster for Rangers.

Gerrard will find it near-impossible to find a player with the same impact as Tavernier in both impact on the field and off it. The defender’s goals and assists are important, but the leadership and unity the defender brings are just as important for Rangers.

A big money move might seem tempting, but Rangers are nothing without their captain, and the board must do all they can to keep hold of Tavernier this summer.

Rangers fans, is Tavernier the most important player in the team? Let us know!

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“If I’m Solskjaer, I’d build a team around him”. So insisted Danny Higginbottom last week to Sky Sports while laying out exactly how he would get the best out of the potentially brilliant, often disappointing Paul Pogba.

It is a well-worn trope that was fraying at the edges even just a few months into the 26-year-old’s extravagantly costly return to Old Trafford. By now it seems positively archaic.

With a heavy sigh though let’s go through it all again. Please don’t stop us if you’ve heard this before. You will have heard this before.

Pogba was so very effective for Juventus and plays his best football now for France because he thrives on freedom of movement and two disciplined centre-circle destroyers stationed behind him gives him that freedom. If he had that at Manchester United he would be consistently sensational.

The problem with that thinking of course is that Jose Mourinho, and latterly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have utilised their enigmatic star in such a way, many times over. And far too often he has been a show pony when they have needed a thoroughbred. On other occasions, just to mix things up, he has been completely anonymous.

On the same day that Higginbottom was suggesting that the simple answer to all of Manchester United’s woes was to double-down on their chief hindrance it was reported in the Independent that the player in question is very keen to push through a summer move to Real Madrid with an eye-watering fee of £130m mooted.

That would represent a decent mark-up on a failure. That would give Solskjaer a colossal sum to bring in two world class replacements, one more defensively minded (Declan Rice for example), the other a creative in the mould of Ivan Rakitic.

It’s just a suggestion.

Hustling and bustling ahead of the one-man soap opera to very little effect Romelu Lukaku is another of United’s recent marquee signings who is as per Goal.com also looking elsewhere, namely Serie A.

The misfiring striker has put in performances this term so utterly inept that it has prompted open hilarity from rival fans. He has failed to score against the top six. He has failed to score at all in the league since the start of February. Recently Gayr Neville said this of a forward who cost more than Mo Salah and Sergio Aguero combined – “You see him make one big run and he looks absolutely shattered. He almost looks tired after one or two runs. He’s a big decision.”

He is not a big decision. Nor is the selling of Pogba. Indeed both – who between them earn a staggering £470k per week – could be said to be no-brainers.

Solskjaer has a huge rebuild on his hands this summer and he should start at the top, bringing in players who will lead; players who will be utterly committed to his cause. It is in short, time to begin anew because if for no other reason another article about how to get the best out of their marquee mistakes will drive us all to insanity.

[ad_pod ]47 games16 goals.11 assists.Paul Pogba has been amongst the best midfielders in Europe this season, netting some exquisite strikes whilst also pulling off some eye-catching assists to give Manchester United a cutting edge in the middle of the park.Have you heard much about that, however? You probably haven’t.Much of the focus has been on the Frenchman’s off-field activities. Newspapers will go on about what new haircut the 26-year-old has, what new dance move he’s been practising on his Instagram, and so on.One point separated City and Liverpool but twenty-five separated them from the rest! Fans discuss who could reduce the deficit next season in the video below?He has been scolded by his own supporters for most of this season for reasons such as the above; not in isolation of course, but because they have come amidst one of the club’s worst campaigns in recent memory.Talk of a move to Real Madrid, along with media speculation about his influence in the dressing room after Jose Mourinho called him a virus, have only worsened his reputation at the club – the former Juventus man is doing more than most to sort the Red Devils’ mess out, however.His 16-goal haul from midfield saw him finish as the club’s top goalscorer this season, beating strikers such as Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who have disappointed far more than Pogba has.

Furthermore, his tally of 11 assists meant that he ended the season as United’s best creator; what more can he do?

Footage emerged from the lap of honour at Old Trafford on Sunday showing a section of supporters criticising Pogba, screaming abuse at him as he admirably keeps his cool and appears to apologise for the dismal result, a 2-0 loss against Cardiff.

Is it because he’s the most expensive player in the side? Is it because the supporters think he can do better? Is it because he’s arguably the most flamboyant, assured character in the team and the fans think he can handle the stick? Perhaps the latter.

No matter how thick his skin is, however, the World Cup winner doesn’t deserve the abuse he gets when his teammates have performed much, much worse.

For a billionaire, Mike Ashley sure lacks knowledge in how to spend his money.

Indeed, while fellow members of the 1% of the 1% across the league are taking their clubs to newer heights, the Magpies are stuck in a rut under Ashley’s reign. Frankly, his incompetence has nothing for their development and making them sink further away.

However, there’s still time for the Sports Direct mogul to right his wrongs, somewhat anyway. Obviously, starting by extending Benitez’s contract would be nice. Secondly, he needs to stop encouraging Newcastle as a selling club, having let the likes of Andy Carroll, Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye leave over the course of his ownership.

According to reports (via Sky Sports), Sean Longstaff’s meteoric rise has attracted Manchester United’s interest this summer. Apparently, the Red Devils want to add youthful exuberance to their midfield with the exciting 22-year-old.

Well, Ashley simply cannot allow Longstaff to leave after witnessing his superb rise to fame last season. Any big bid shouldn’t be entertained at this stage of the Benitez project, if there is to be one going forward.

The academy graduate’s brought life to his boyhood charges’ midfield with his tireless running, ruthless pressing and intelligent movement, connecting the fans to the team in a way only hometown heroes can. Ashley cannot allow his greed for profit into selling away another prized asset. Indeed, as if prematurely offloading Giorginio Wijnaldum or Mohamed Sissoko wasn’t enough damage.

If the Newcastle owner truly wants to see them as a rising force, he needs to make tough decisions. This really is one of them.

Newcastle fans, would you be disappointed by Longstaff’s potential departure this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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According to The Telegraph, English winger Sheyi Ojo is expected to sign a new contract with Liverpool.

However, a number of the Merseyside club’s supporters do not feel that the attacker will ever become a first-team star at Anfield.

Ojo has actually been with Liverpool since 2011 and has made 13 first-team appearances for the Reds in all competitions.

The 21-year-old has played the majority of his senior football out on loan, however, turning out for Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Reims.

Ojo has made 18 appearances for Reims during the 2018-19 season – contributing one goal and one assist for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Mo Salah has been brutally mocked for his recent diving antics in a new video by 442oons. Check it out below…

According to The Telegraph, the 5 ft 9 attacker will sign a new deal with Liverpool ahead of another potential loan move.

However, it seems that a lot of the club’s fans do not believe that he will ever be a success at Anfield – a selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

It’s been a roller coaster season for Leeds United, who looked destined for promotion before Christmas only to fall at the semi-final hurdle to the Rams (fortunately, they were beaten in the final). But things could be worse, strangely…

Indeed, for all their misery, of which we’re sure there is still plenty, Leeds fans can take some solace in the fact that they are no longer on a kamikaze crash course under Italian mentalist Massimo Cellino.

There’s no real need to revisit the entirety of the Cellino regime, as we’re sure the horrors have played over in your heads over, and over, and over, and over, and over again as you try to sleep at night.

However, we would like to pluck out one short episode in the nightmarish series and refresh it in your mind – Giuseppe Bellusci (sorry).

The Italian quite comfortably goes down as one of the worst defenders to have ever stumbled into the famous white jersey of Leeds United. Why? Well, the same reason a fork isn’t a suitable utensil for consuming soup.

If the short clip (above) didn’t make it obvious enough, Bellusci was a liability of the highest order. He never seemed to know where to position himself defensively (his job) so half the time he looked like a lost child trying to find their parents in the world’s largest department store. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The thing is, as well, it wasn’t just that Bellusci was a bad player. He was a terrible performance as well, and a vastly unpopular figure among Leeds supporters due to his dreadful attitude.

Here is arguing with a Leeds supporter wearing a beanie hat and a suit. He’s not even got his tie done up. Rotter.

And how could we forget the infamous pre-season match against Guiseley in which the ever-so-wise Bellusci got himself into a barney with the travelling 3,000 Leeds faithful. Quite why he did this, we don’t know, but it didn’t go down particularly well.

To which he later responded in “cryptic” fashion: ‘Fortunately in this world we have the children to set an example to the adults!’

(Enjoyed that response)

He was moved on in the summer of 2017 never to return.

Leeds United fans, Giuseppe Bellusci…discuss.

He received numerous responses from various players including Celtic stars Kieran Tierney and Scott Bain

Roberts spent two seasons on loan in Glasgow and won seven trophies as well as making 78 appearances scoring 18 and setting up a further 26.

This is the former Fulham mans’ third loan spell away from the Etihad, and it is unlikely he will ever become a first team player for Manchester City, but if he impresses for the Canaries, then he may still have a Premier League career to look forward to.

One thing for sure is that his old Celtic teammates will want him to do well for Daniel Farke’s side.

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Celtic have opened initial discussions with Motherwell about signing David Turnbull, according to The Daily Record.

What’s the story?

After Neil Lennon’s appointment as the permanent Hoops boss, he’ll be looking to stamp his own authority on the squad at Celtic Park this summer with a few signings that can freshen up the first-team.

The Record say midfielder Turnbull is one of Lennon’s big targets after an impressive season in the Scottish Premiership, with the club already making a direct inquiry to the Steelmen about what they need to sell him this summer.

With other clubs also interested in signing the teenager, the paper reckon Celtic have asked to be kept informed of any developments on his future over the next few months.

Motherwell’s asking price is reportedly as much as £3m.

How does Neil Lennon turn his doubters into believers? The answer lies in the video below…

Worth that kind of fee?

Players moving between Scottish clubs rarely fetch big fees but Turnbull isn’t your ordinary talent, demonstrating exceptional ability at Scottish Premiership level throughout 2018/19.

With 15 league goals and six league assists, he was one of the most effective attacking talents in the country playing through the middle from midfield and appears to have the kind of direct intent that would make him a big hit at Celtic Park.

Celtic aren’t lacking in that department, with Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie already available, but more competition is beneficial when the player coming in is hungry and has something to prove.

Rogic has been a shadow of his former self over the last 12 months and since the turn of the year in particular, managing to score just five goals across the season amidst fitness and international issues.

A player like Turnbull arriving could perhaps shake him out of his current lull, making him less complacent and more reliable in Neil Lennon’s team.

The Australian seems to be at something of a crossroads in his Celtic career and even if he doesn’t improve, Turnbull could prove to be a long-term replacement in that attacking midfield role.

He’s certainly a young Scottish star worth pursuing and Celtic should be ensuring they beat rivals to his signature.

[ad_pod ]Amid Gareth Southgate’s side’s triumph over Switzerland in the Nations League, the England Lionesses also enjoyed a fine Sunday as they got their Women’s World Cup journey off to the perfect start.Phil Neville’s side claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Scotland in their opening group game, and have begun the tournament in the right tone.The result prompted England captain Harry Kane to take to Twitter to offer up his congratulations to the women’s side, and urged them to ‘bring it home’ this summer.

That tweet lead to Kane’s Tottenham teammate Moussa Sissoko to enter the conversation, and the Frenchman understandably insisted that the tournament was for Les Bleus to win.

The World Cup, which is being held in France, saw the hosts record an emphatic 4-0 victory over South Korea in the opening game of the competition, and they are being considered amongst the favourites to lift the trophy at the end.

Kane and Sissoko’s support for their countries’ respective women’s sides showed the great interest in this year’s World Cup, with initial viewing figures suggesting that 6.1m people saw England’s clash with Scotland on Sunday.

With so many great sides involved, it will be fascinating to see who walks home as champions of the eighth edition of the Women’s World Cup.

During his so far short career, Ryan Sessegnon has been no stranger to helping write the history books. On 20th August 2016, he became the first player born in the 2000s to score in the English Football League and, following a stand-out 2017/2018 campaign, he became the first Championship player to ever be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. That season, he was a vital component of the Fulham side that earned promotion to the promised land, netting 16 times in the second tier.

Unfortunately for the Cottagers, they struggled in England’s top division and were unceremoniously relegated straight back down. However, although Sessegnon was unable to reach his standards of the previous year with just two strikes to his name, he still managed to set a new feat in the Premier League by becoming the first player born in this millennium to find the back of the net, away at Cardiff City on 20th October, according to the Panini Tabloid.

It is hard to think of many other players more deserving of such a record. Since his debut three years ago, Sessegnon has developed into one of the most exciting players in England due to the ease in which he’s acclimatised to senior football. His speed, directness and ability on the ball all catch the eye and hint towards a fantastically exciting career, even if he still hasn’t found that consistency at Premier League level just yet.

But Sessegnon is one of a number of Premier League players born in the last 19 years that have huge futures ahead of them. Callum Hudson-Odoi is already an England international, whilst Phil Foden’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad continues to slowly rise, making eight more Premier League appearances last season than the campaign previous.

Ethan Ampadu and Angel Gomes have already made their Premier League debuts for Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, the latter also featuring for Wales, and Morgan Gibbs-White showed glimpses of his talent for Wolves last season, albeit restricted mainly to featuring from the bench.

These players are amongst the brighter hopes for their respective nations, and with Euro 2020 just around the corner, they have a big year ahead of them. Could a few or perhaps even all of them secure places in the senior squads at next summer’s tournament?

The Premier League Panini Tabloid is a special commemorative newspaper sticker collection celebrating the exciting new partnership between the greatest league in the world and the legendary name in football publishing, Panini. As the official collectable licensee to the Premier League, Panini are delighted to bring consumers a new era of collectables and the best collecting experience. See more here: http://bit.ly/PaniniFFCEditorial