All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are now involved in a fierce transfer battle over an “incredible” Premier League player, according to a report.

Arsenal transfer news

The Gunners are clearly keen to strengthen in attacking areas in January and beyond, having been linked with moves for a number of players, including Barcelona youngster Arnau Pradas, who is most commonly deployed on the wing.

Although Kai Havertz has been in decent form in front of goal this season, Mikel Arteta may also be on the lookout for a new striker over the next few months, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha deemed to fit the bill.

Arsenal are engaged in early negotiations over a deal for the Wolves forward, but he is not their only option in that area of the pitch, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak on a shortlist that also includes Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic.

£50m star has already decided whether he'll join Arsenal in January

He’s believed to be a target for Arteta.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 6, 2024

A number of Arteta’s targets are currently plying their trade in the Premier League, and they could also be set to look at one of the top flight’s other stars to strengthen his midfield – if the latest reports from Spain are to be believed.

According to Spanish sources, Arsenal are currently locked in a fierce battle for the signature of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with Manchester City also said to be keen.

The report states that the Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad with young players, and Wharton fits the bill, given that he has already managed to establish himself in the Premier League at just 20 years old.

There is also a belief that the youngster would fit perfectly into Arteta’s philosophy, making him a very attractive option, but it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard is able to prise him away from Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have already rejected big offers for their star player, and they are yet to show any signs of being willing to sanction his departure in the near future.

Wharton impressing for Palace

Despite his age, the maestro has become an integral part of the Palace first team, making eight appearances in the Premier League this season prior to being ruled out with a groin injury, which required surgery.

Palace and Arsenal alike will be hoping the injury does not stifle the Englishman’s development, having progressed quickly since making the switch to Selhurst Park last season, even managing to earn himself a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad in the summer.

Perhaps the starlet’s most impressive attribute is his tackling ability, averaging 3.1 tackles per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 89th percentile compared to his positional peers.

As such, Wharton could be a great option for Arteta in a holding midfield role, which is also indicated by the fact he has been lauded by Palace teammate Eberechi Eze, who said:

“He’s an incredible player to play with. Playing with him at Palace, I’ve got used to seeing the way he plays and understanding him. He’s very calm, composed, and a joy to play with.”

Wharton could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and Arteta will be hoping they are able to beat Man City to his signature if he becomes available.

As Arne Slot’s side continue to dominate in both the Champions League and Premier League, Liverpool have reportedly identified a shock target to potentially replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds were far from at their best in midweek but showed the rest of European football the sign of champions by finding a way past a stubborn Girona side nonetheless, courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s penalty. Maintaining their Champions League top spot and advancing into the knockout stage as a result – becoming the first team to do so in the new format – the Reds will now turn their attention towards Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

Away from the pitch, meanwhile, things are also looking up. Recent reports have indicated that both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are nearing breakthroughs in their respective contract negotiations, which could finally see them put pen to paper on fresh deals to avoid a summer departure.

Sold for 1823% more: Liverpool struck gold on Klopp's "outstanding talent"

Liverpool made a great profit selling him

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 12, 2024

Whilst Alexander-Arnold has been offered a new deal, however – as per The Athletic’s David Ornstein – it remains to be seen whether he will be able to turn down the interest of European giants Real Madrid and the Reds are seemingly planning for the worst.

According to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, Liverpool have now identified Malo Gusto as a shock target to replace Alexander-Arnold should their academy graduate decide to leave at the end of the season.

Gusto has enjoyed quite the rise at Chelsea to end the Blues’ concerns over finding a replacement for the injury-prone Reece James. It speaks volumes that, even when the Chelsea captain is fit and starting these days, it is not Gusto who steps out of Enzo Maresca’s side.

Perhaps exacting revenge for Fernando Torres all those years ago though, Liverpool could decide to make their move for the impressive defender in 2025.

"Fantastic" Gusto would be the perfect candidate

Whilst it’s incredibly unlikely that Chelsea would even consider showing Gusto the door to complete a move to Anfield at the end of the season, it must be said that he would be a fairly seamless replacement for Alexander-Arnold – and that’s some doing. The right-back has already replaced James and has undoubtedly shown that he is more than talented enough to now replace the Premier League’s best if the offer came his way.

Progressive Passes

52

58

Assists

1

3

Interceptions

11

9

Ball Recoveries

42

47

Performing close to the level of one of Europe’s best, it’s no surprise that Gusto recently earned the praise of Chelsea boss Maresca, who told reporters as relayed by Fabrizio Romano: “Fantastic player. I’m very happy with Malo. He’s giving us many things. He’s helping the process in the way we want to play a lot. He’s doing very, very well. For the age he has, he is top.”

In what would be one of the most shocking moves in 2025, Liverpool could yet welcome the ultimate Alexander-Arnold replacement when the summer arrives.

Rangers and technical director Nils Koppen are believed to be targeting players in a specific country ahead of the January transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Latest Rangers news

The Gers will feel that they have turned a corner of some sorts under Philippe Clement, following a slight improvement in results in recent weeks, allowing themselves to gain a little ground on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race. A 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham in the Europa League was also a good result.

While the Hoops still have a big lead at the top of the table, Rangers have at least managed to narrow the gap to nine points, and they will hope to gradually close in on their rivals as the weeks and months pass.

For that to happen, reinforcements could be needed in the January window, however, giving Clement the extra depth that he craves in his squad. Standard Liege youngster Isaac Price is one player who has been linked with a move to Ibrox, with the 21-year-old starting 16 matches in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League this season.

Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has emerged as more of a high-profile option for Rangers, too, having struggled to be a key player under Enzo Maresca this season, following his move from Leicester City in the summer. The Englishman could be a great signing for Clement, adding genuine quality in the middle of the park.

Rangers and Koppen eyeing players from Belgium ahead of January

According to a fresh claim from Ibrox News, Rangers will turn their attention to signing players from Belgium ahead of January, as they look to bolster Clement’s squad.

It is stated that Koppen is “gathering information about potential targets” in the country, although the Gers’ technical director “does not have anything imminent in the pipeline” currently.

This has to be seen as encouraging for Rangers, in terms of it being clear that they are showing an element of intent ahead of the January window opening next week.

Granted, there are no specific players who are mentioned, but it suggests that Koppen is working hard to bring in individuals who can enhance the Gers’ hopes of pulling off a miraculous comeback in the title race. Clement himself has hinted at a “hectic” January taking place, too, saying:

“It’s always a hectic period because players start to doubt whether to stay or not, there are a lot of talks from us with players and their agents to convince them about things.”

It will be interesting to see if Koppen’s Belgian scouting mission comes to anything, but Price could be an excellent choice to come in as a long-term option with lots of ability.

Rangers could repeat Barisic masterclass with exciting January transfer

Rangers could make a move for a talented midfielder in January…

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 24, 2024

The Northern Irishman has flourished in a Liege shirt, but also for his country, scoring four goals in six UEFA Nations League appearances, showing that he is already a force at both club and international level at the age of just 21.

As the January transfer window gets underway, Ipswich Town are reportedly interested in signing a struggling Premier League winger who very nearly completed a move to Portman Road in the summer.

Ipswich transfer news

The Tractor Boys reignited their survival hope last time out by defeating a second top six team this season in the form of Enzo Maresca’s impressive Chelsea side. Now just one point adrift of safety, those at Portman Road must back Kieran McKenna in the January transfer window if they want to avoid relegation at the first time of asking in the Premier League – something that very few clubs manage to achieve these days.

On that front, it looks as though it is set to be a busy month for Ipswich, given that McKenna reportedly wants as many as five fresh faces through the door, which could yet include the likes of Latte Lath from Middlesbrough.

Ipswich could sign a perfect Delap replacement in "sharp" EFL star

Ipswich Town will be searching for new strikers in case Liam Delap leaves this month.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 1, 2025

The Boro forward has enjoyed an excellent season in the Championship so far and may yet have done enough to earn a January switch to the Premier League as a result. And he’s not the only one who could be heading towards Suffolk.

According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Ipswich are now interested in signing Jaden Philogene on loan from Aston Villa just months after they saw their pursuit hijacked by the Villans. Struggling for game time ever since, the winger could be on the move again and McKenna could finally get his man – albeit only for a short spell.

Potentially going again in pursuit of his signature, Ipswich will be hoping to successfully welcome Philogene this time around.

"Ridiculous" Philogene desperately needs move

When Philogene received the opportunity to move back to Aston Villa just one year on from leaving in pursuit of game time, it would have felt like a fitting full-circle moment. Since then, however, he’s gone in the opposite direction and has found himself once again rooted to the bench at Villa Park, desperately in need of a move away in pursuit of starting opportunities.

This time, at least, Ipswich and the chance to stay in the Premier League seem to be calling his name in a move that he must make before the end of the month. It’s at Portman Road that the likes of Liam Delap have thrived after ditching the so-called bigger clubs. Now, as a player still so full of potential, Philogene should do the same until the end of the season.

Praised for his “ridiculous” rabona effort by Liam Rosenior after Hull City’s victory over Rotherham last season, Philogene will be hoping to get back to that level of confidence sooner rather than later.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be hoping to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window in a bid to see his team secure another top-four finish in the Premier League.

Several areas in the first-team squad need improvement ahead of the second half of the campaign and this could see the manager target a few new signings.

While he may be looking at players from the big five leagues, could his first signing come from slightly closer to home?

Aston Villa transfer news

As reported by journalist Graeme Bailey at the end of December, Villa are just one of the teams showing interest in Celtic’s German winger, Nicolas Kuhn, ahead of potentially making a move this month.

His agent declared late last year that if Kuhn were to leave Celtic, he would command a transfer fee of around £25m, although he has been touted to be worth as much as £30m elsewhere.

Emery faces stiff competition from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur for the winger, but if the right offer is made, he may have a great chance at landing the Celtic star.

Kuhn could offer Villa shades of Jack Grealish given his playing style and this would appeal to the supporters.

Nicolas Kuhn could have shades of Grealish

Grealish is arguably one of the finest talents to play at Villa Park in recent memory. Across 213 appearances, the Englishman scored 32 times while registering 41 assists before sealing a move to Manchester City in 2021.

A wonderful dribbler who always demonstrated his creative talents, Grealish shone in a Villa jersey and there is no doubt Kuhn could do the same, especially judging by the fact he can offer similar qualities to that of the current City star.

Typically deployed on the right wing this season, the German has registered an impressive 25 goal contributions – 14 goals and 11 assists – in all competitions. Much like Grealish during his days at Villa, Kuhn can not only score himself, but can also create a multitude of chances for others.

It is no wonder he was hailed as “magical” by Brendan Rodgers during pre-season after a wonderful display against Man City and he would make for an ideal replacement for Leon Bailey, who is struggling.

Following the heights of last term, where he scored 14 goals for the club, Bailey has failed to find the back of the net this season, recording just three assists.

Metric

Premiership

Champions League

Goals

7

2

Assists

6

1

Key passes per game

2.3

1.8

Big chances created

7

4

Successful dribbles per game

1.9

2.3

Domestically, not only has Kuhn averaged more shots per game (2.3 vs 1.1) than Bailey, but he has also created more big chances (seven vs three), averaged more key passes per game (2.1 vs 0.8) and more successful dribbles per game (1.9 vs one) which suggests that the German would be more effective in the final third.

Emery could sell Bailey in the transfer window and replace him with the Celtic star in what would be an interesting move. With his Grealish-like attributes, the former RB Salzburg sensation could swiftly emerge as a crowd favourite, similar to what he has done at Parkhead.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

£25-£30m may be a lavish fee, but it is clear that Kuhn is ready for the next step.

Duran replacement: Aston Villa chasing exciting Donyell Malan alternative

Villa are targeting a new attacker to add more goals

ByJoe Nuttall Jan 3, 2025

Chelsea are believed to be the favourites to sign a “creative” forward for manager Enzo Maresca, with talks currently ongoing for his services before January deadline day.

Chelsea set sights on signing new attacker in January

A lot of the transfer talk centered around Maresca’s potential move for a new centre-back, but with Trevoh Chalobah recalled from his Crystal Palace loan, attention is now turning to the forward area.

Chelsea "in talks" for first 2025 signing in versatile £30 million forward

The west Londoners have entered negotiations.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 17, 2025

The prospect of versatile Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku potentially making his way out of the door is a serious one. Credible German media sources report that Nkunku has verbally agreed terms with Bayern Munich, who have identified the Frenchman as their top transfer target.

This has seemingly motivated Stamford Bridge transfer chiefs to dip into the market for a new attacker, with Bayern’s young forward Mathys Tel very much appreciated by Chelsea as initial talks are held over a swap deal involving Nkunku (Fabrizio Romano).

That being said, the 19-year-old could prove difficult to tempt away from Bavaria.

“He’s [Tel] seen as one of the best young strikers in Europe,” said a panelist on Sky Sports this week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (home)

February 22

“He can play left-hand side, he can play up front as well, I think he’s got the physical presence to play up front, when you see him play he’s lean, he’s mobile, he’s got good pace, which is why most of his opportunities have come from the left-hand side.

“When Julian Nagelsmann was there, he said that he was capable of scoring 40 goals a season, they know how good a player he is and I feel like it might be quite difficult for Chelsea to get him out of Bayern at this stage. But, he’s a player who Chelsea have watched for a little while.”

There are other targets in mind for Chelsea before the end of this winter window, and one of them is believed to be Deportivo La Coruna sensation Yeremay Hernandez.

Chelsea in pole position for Yeremay Hernandez with talks ongoing

Spanish media reports suggested recently that Chelsea have bid for Hernandez, with CalcioNapoli 24 now weighing in with their own update.

The Italian news outlet claims Maresca’s side have indeed submitted an offer for the attacker, standing at around £9 million plus bonuses. They add that Chelsea are ahead in negotiations with Deportivo right now, and currently stand out in pole position for Hernandez’s signature ahead of Antonio Conte’s Napoli.

The La Liga 2 side “can sell” their star player for around £11 million, despite his £17 million release clause, meaning Chelsea could also acquire him for a cut-price fee.

With Chelsea “in the lead” to sign Hernandez as things stand, as per CalcioNapoli, supporters will be keen to know that he’s garnering quite a reputation in his homeland.

“Deportivo’s LW Yeremay Hernández (also known as Yeremay or Peke) is another prospect from the Canary islands shining in the Segunda División,” wrote Football Anaylst Ben Mattinson on X.

“Compact creative winger with excellent vision. Loves to play quick passes and 1-2’s or through balls in behind the defence.

“Yeremay is a skilful player in 1v1’s. Sharp turns to keep the ball close to his body. He’s happy to drive onto either foot to shoot. When carrying he likes to constantly alter his speed. Approach slow, then quickly accelerate – to maximise his strength (burst of acceleration).”

As Nottingham Forest continue to impress, those at the City Ground have reportedly set their sights on a shock reunion with one defender who has gone on to discover his best form elsewhere.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Only behind second-place Arsenal on goal difference, Forest are in dreamland in the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side haven’t tasted defeat since the beginning of December, which came against Manchester City at The Etihad, and survived a late scare to overcome Southampton to extend that run last time out.

Once again, it was no surprise to see Chris Wood at the heart of Forest’s success with the forward adding another goal to his tally in what has been an excellent season so far.

Meanwhile, as the campaign continues and Forest head closer and closer towards Champions League qualification, they may well find themselves better placed than ever to welcome a higher calibre of reinforcements.

Nottingham Forest now activate £50m+ clause to sign new forward for Nuno

It’s according to an astonishing report in Spain.

ByBen Browning Jan 20, 2025

On that front, names such as Luiz Henrique have recently threatened to steal the headlines but those in the Midlands could first turn towards a familiar face for Espirito Santo.

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are now plotting a deal to re-sign Nuno Tavares when the summer transfer window arrives. The left-back is reportedly expected to join Lazio on a permanent basis at the end of the season before the Serie A club instantly look to make a profit.

Tavares is a familiar face to those at the City Ground, of course, after he spent last season on loan at Forest where he was initially signed by Steve Cooper. It was not a spell full of success, however, and the Arsenal loanee made just five starts in the Premier League in a situation that he should look to avoid repeating.

"Great" Tavares has rediscovered best form

Following his struggles at Arsenal and then on loan at Nottingham Forest, Tavares’ Lazio spell simply had to go to plan. Get things wrong and the left-back was in danger of falling into the abyss and away from Europe’s biggest stage. Get things right, however, and he’d be back on track. Now, a few months and plenty of impressive performances later, it’s clear that the Serie A is exactly what Tavares needed.

He’s impressed to such an extent that Forest could yet reportedly eye a shock reunion when the summer arrives in what would see the left-back compete for a starting place against Ola Aina, who has stolen plenty of positive headlines in his own right so far this season.

Starts

15

22

Assists

8

1

Tackles Won

17

34

Ball Recoveries

74

127

Described as a player with “great potential” by Lazio manager Marco Baroni, Tavares would certainly add another attacking element down Forest’s left-hand side, with more assists than Aina, albeit whilst perhaps offering Espirito Santo’s team a defensive weakness without their current starter.

It would certainly be an unexpected reunion, but Tavares has made sure that he’s one to watch after bouncing back in Italy.

Liverpool’s relentless march to the Premier League title continued with an excellent 2-0 victory over an in-form side Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Arne Slot would have been wary of the threat the Cherries possess, especially after they shocked Nottingham Forest in midweek, scoring five goals against the side that sit third in the Premier League table.

Knowing that his side would go nine points clear of Arsenal with a win at the Vitality Stadium, the Anfield outfit delivered a professional performance on the south coast.

It comes as no surprise that Mohamed Salah was the hero, scoring both of Liverpool’s efforts to reach 178 Premier League goals, overtaking Frank Lampard to become the sixth-highest scorer in the history of the competition.

A new contract for the Egyptian talisman hasn’t materialised yet, but surely it won’t be long before Slot presents an offer.

Mohamed Salah’s game in numbers vs Bournemouth

Salah was as influential as ever for the Reds. His first goal was a well-taken penalty after just 30 minutes before he netted a delightful curling effort in the second half to secure his brace and ensure Liverpool took home three points.

He also made two key passes, registered four shots, delivered one accurate cross and succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts throughout the game.

Metric

Highest-Ranked

Accurate passes

Illia Zabarnyi (48)

Key passes

Dominik Szoboszlai (3)

Tackles

Ryan Gravenberch (7)

Ground duels won

Ryan Gravenberch (9)

Shots on target

Mohamed Salah (3)

Who knows where the club would be without their star man and if he remains fit and in this sort of form over the coming months, the Anfield side could win a couple of major trophies.

It is a team effort, however. As such, Ryan Gravenberch is the fulcrum behind their title charge, no doubt about that.

The Liverpool star who's driving the title charge

The Dutchman has started every single top-flight game for the Reds this season, signifying his importance to the cause as Slot aims to win the title in his first season as manager.

He may have registered just two assists, but his job in controlling the midfield has been crucial during the club’s title charge over the previous few months.

Against the Cherries, Gravenberch not only succeeded with 93% of his passes, but the midfielder also won nine ground duels, lost possession on just three occasions and made a staggering seven tackles throughout the 90 minutes.

Salah may have got the goals, but Gravenberch deserves the plaudits after another flawless display.

The 22-year-old received a match rating of 7/10 from Danny Gallagher at the Anfield Watch, who stated that ‘a big, elegant, statue of ball-playing midfielder is exactly what you want on gritty afternoons like this, and the Reds’ most-improved player of the season delivered’.

Deliver he did. If Liverpool go on to win their 20th domestic title in May, Salah’s goals may well prove to be the deciding factor. But in Gravenberch, they have solidity in the midfield area, which, during tight games like today, helps massively.

Dream for Salah: Liverpool keen on £67m star who's "destined for greatness"

Liverpool are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Bundesliga sensation.

ByDan Emery Jan 31, 2025

The Championship is once again proving to be one of the best leagues in Europe, with teams looking to win big financially by securing promotion to the Premier League.

The second tier has a number of star players on show each week and plenty of clubs boast a plethora of internationals on their books.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

But who is currently standing out as the best player in the Championship right now? We’ve taken a detailed look at 10 second-tier stars.

10 Manor Solomon Leeds United

Starting the top 10 countdown is Leeds United winger Manor Solomon, who is currently on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Israel international, who suffered with numerous injury issues in 2023/24, has found his groove at Elland Road under Daniel Farke and has been first-choice on the left-hand side, chipping in with plenty of goals and assists.

9 Jimmy Dunne QPR

There is a reason why Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne was a wanted man during the January transfer window.

The centre-back has been a regular in Marti Cifuentes’ first full season at Loftus Road, and as per WhoScored, Dunne is one of the top performers in the Championship, and has even chipped in with four goals from the back.

8 Enzo Le Fee Sunderland

Arguably the signing of the January transfer window in the Championship was Sunderland’s deal to bring Enzo Le Fee to the Stadium of Light from Roma.

The attacking midfielder, who worked under Regis Le Bris at Lorient, is on loan from the Serie A side and has already showed his quality in red and white.

The Black Cats will be hoping he can be the difference when it comes to winning promotion.

7 Gustavo Hamer Sheffield United

Attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer appears to be key to Sheffield United’s hopes of securing an immediate return to the Premier League and has been impressive throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The former Coventry City star is into double figures for combined goals and assists at Bramall Lane, while he has won a whopping nine Player of the Match awards from FotMob, showing his quality in the second tier.

6 Ao Tanaka Leeds United

At just £3m, Leeds’ move to sign Japan international Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf in the summer is looking like a bargain.

The midfielder received his chance following early-season injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, and hasn’t looked back since, establishing himself as a key player in the Whites squad.

Tanaka has chipped in with goals and assists, while also having a pass completion rate of over 90% and averaging more than 2 tackles per game. As a result, he is one of FotMob’s highest-rated players in the league.

5 Tom Fellows West Brom

An academy graduate at The Hawthorns, Tom Fellows has been catching the eye of Premier League clubs with his performances out wide for West Brom this season.

The 21-year-old has so far registered more assists than any other Championship player (11) and looks destined to be playing top-flight football in the coming years. Whether or not that is with West Brom remains to be seen.

4 Joe Rodon Leeds United

Called Leeds United’s Rodri in the media, Joe Rodon has been a colossus at the back after making his loan move to Elland Road permanent last summer.

The Wales international has one of the highest pass-accuracy percentages in the division, averaging more than 80 successful passes per game – more than any other player except for Coventry City’s Matt Grimes.

Rodon has played his part in plenty of clean sheets for Leeds, keeping opposing teams’ attackers quiet and xG low.

3 Borja Sainz Norwich City

Borja Sainz has been enjoying the best season of his career in front of goal statistically, netting 15 Championship goals for Norwich City in the first 18 league games.

The Spaniard, who has been playing as a left-winger, has also picked up six WhoScored Player of the Match awards, more than any other player.

2 James Trafford Burnley

Burnley are on course to break all kinds of defensive records this season, and goalkeeper James Trafford has been a key part of that success under Scott Parker.

Trafford, who is regularly linked with a move back to the Premier League in the transfer window, recently saved two late penalties against promotion rivals Sunderland.

The Englishman has also kept more clean sheets than any other shot-stopper in the division and is FotMob’s highest-rated player in the league.

1 Dan James Leeds United

Arguably the Championship’s best player in the Championship right now is Leeds winger Dan James. The Welshman’s speed has been causing defenders headaches for years, and he is once again producing in the final third at Elland Road.

James is into double figures for second-tier goals this season and also has six assists to his name, playing off the right and combining excellently with full-back Jayden Bogle.

Even iconic Championship manager Neil Warnock has waxed lyrical over James recently, saying: “I remember pulling Daniel James – he’s my favourite player in the Championship; he has been for years, and he wasn’t playing that day.

“I remember saying to him, ‘if I had one player I wish I could’ve managed, it would have been you’ – because I love his attitude, and I think it breeds it when you’ve got people like Daniel James.”

There’s no denying that Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a painful season, having been dealt a tough hand.

The interminable injury issues under Ange Postecoglou are showing little sign of abating right now, with fresh troops merely stepping into the boggy ground freed up by someone else falling and being pulled into the infirmary.

Tottenham were put to the sword in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool but are swiftly presented with the chance to change the mood down N17, meeting Aston Villa at Villa Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

To be sure, it will be difficult, but Spurs have enough in the locker to score an upset against Unai Emery’s well-drilled and plentiful side.

Spurs team news pre-Aston Villa

Micky van de Ven will not be risked as he tentatively returns from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined for nearly two months.

Tottenham have a host of players nearing the end of their stay in the overpacked medical room, although Spurs don’t expect any current sidelined players to be ready for the FA Cup clash.

Compounding the issue, though, Richarlison was forced off before the break against Liverpool and Postecoglou ceded that it “didn’t look good” for the Brazil forward.

With Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert also unavailable, the Australian coach is going to need to look at alternative solutions, with the academy likely to be called upon.

Aston Villa v Tottenham: Team news, where to watch, referee & VAR

Emery and Postecoglou are still yet to win silverware in England.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 9, 2025 Spurs must unleash their academy star

Aged 17, Mikey Moore has been one of the brightest sparks from a dreary campaign, increasingly more central to Ange’s long-term project, featuring 15 times and clinching a goal and an assist apiece.

Moore is a winger and Richarlison would have been selected centrally had he avoided midweek injury, but another setback merely pushes the need for a talisman into the teenager’s path.

Luckily, there are few rising stars even in Moore’s ballpark when it comes to natural quality, and he could bring the requisite energy and impetus to truly lay down his marker as Ange’s new main man, charged by the high technical skill and influence of Heung-min Son, who will take the centre-forward spot.

Minutes

90′

Goals

1

Assists

1

Shots (on target)

4 (3)

Touches

64

Accurate passes

29/34 (85%)

Key passes

1

Possession lost

25x

Ground duels (won)

14 (4)

Tottenham face a different calibre of opponent in Villa, but Unai Emery’s high line and expectation of defeating the beleaguered Lilyewhites may actually play into their favour, with players such as Son sliding surgical passes through to the quick-burst movements of Moore.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Ange could even find that he has his answer to Marcus Rashford in the up-and-coming talent, with the Three Lions ace joining Villa from Manchester United on a loan deal until the end of the season last week.

Rashford may not ply his trade for the Red Devils any longer but he’s still one of the Premier League’s brightest academy stars of this generation, with Chris Smalling acknowledging that he looked a “special talent” from the offing.

Said to be the fifth most similar player to the new Villa signing in the Europa League this term, via FBref, Moore would like to think that he bears a similar moniker, and is in fact something of a teenage “superstar”, as commented by Fabrizio Romano, merely restricted by Ange’s current struggles.

One thing’s for certain, with so many Tottenham seniors sidelined and magic required to topple a drilled Villan backline, a silky and powerful winger such as Moore, 17 he may be, could be the difference-maker.

He's worth far more than Tel: Spurs hit the jackpot with "world-class" star

The incredible international could become a legend at Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 8, 2025