World Cup 2018: Mbappe, Neymar & best team of the last 16
As we approach the quarter-finals of Russia 2018, Goal's editors have put together a list of the best XI from the first knockout round
As we approach the quarter-finals of Russia 2018, Goal's editors have put together a list of the best XI from the first knockout round
The Portugal superstar fired Real to victory in the Club World Cup final… what other honours has he swept up at the Bernabeu?
Reports by Sabah earlier this week claimed that Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are exploring a move to sign Joshua King at the end of the season, and Carlo Ancelotti should allow the striker to leave Everton so long as Moise Kean returns from his Paris Saint-Germain loan spell.
King is set to become a free agent this summer having only joined the Toffees on a short-term deal upon his £2m arrival on Deadline Day last month, although the transfer included a clause that allows the Blues to extend the Norway international’s contract longer-term.
Ancelotti reportedly intends to activate the agreement as the Italian and his staff have been impressed by what the £10m-rated forward has delivered in training, while King has expressed that his intentions are to remain at Goodison Park beyond the current campaign.
But Fenerbahce are now thought to be monitoring developments as the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium natives work on strengthening Erol Bulut’s squad, and they have already spoken with King’s representatives over a move to Istanbul.
It was not suggested how King responded to the Yellow Canaries’ approach, but the report included a photo that the forward uploaded to social media last summer of his son wearing a Fenerbache jersey – suggesting there is a connection to be built on.
King had been linked with a move to join Fenerbahce from AFC Bournemouth during the previous off-season, too, which is noted to have excited the club’s fanbase.
The 29-year-old is also represented by the ROGON agency, who sealed Attila Szalai’s move to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in January.
ROGON may now look to orchestrate a move for their client to leave Everton for the Super Lig, having seen King only play 117 minutes of Premier League football under Ancelotti over eight appearances from a possible nine, of which each has come from the bench.
King registered his longest appearance in royal blue to date at 34 minutes during last month’s 2-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Fulham but he is yet to score or assist a single goal.
Ancelotti can overlook Everton’s option to extend King’s contract beyond the expiration of his current £45,000-per-week deal and allow the forward to join Fenerbahce in the summer, despite the speculation of an extension being in the works, so long as Kean returns.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on the Here We Go podcast last month that Ancelotti is a “big fan” of Kean and is planning on unleashing the forward at Goodison Park next term, unless Everton receive offers worth around €60-70m (£51.5-60m).
But Paris Saint-Germain are keen to retain the Italian beyond his loan spell, with reports by il Bianco Nero at the start of the month claiming that the Ligue 1 giants will strive to reach a deal ‘at all costs’.
Ancelotti would be better set by holding firm in his apparent desires to bring Kean back than his aspirations of handing King a new contract, as the former has struck 15 goals and provided one assist in all competitions for PSG this season while the latter has failed to impress.
King has earned the lowest average WhoScored match rating by a current Everton player in the Premier League this season at 6.06 out of 10, and is yet to offer a single shot or key pass in any of his appearances to date.
Meanwhile, Kean has earned an average 7.02 out of 10 rating in Ligue 1 fixtures, while providing first Thomas Tuchel and now Mauricio Pochettino 2.1 shots and 0.3 key passes a game.
If the decision is between Kean and King, Ancelotti’s choice is simple. If he wants to have a top competitor for Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Merseyside next season, it has to be Kean.
AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is eager for Everton to sign a £32.5m-rated titan who top clubs would sign “without thinking twice”…
Borna Barisic has been in excellent form for Rangers this season and his latest superb performance for his international side Croatia emphasises just how well Steven Gerrard and Mark Allen did to bring him to Ibrox in 2018.
Rangers signed the left-back from NK Osijek for just £2.2 million after impressing Gerrard with his performances against the Gers in a Europa League qualifying fixture.
It was suggested that Barisic felt moving to Rangers would increase his playing time for Croatia, having earned three caps for his country at that stage, and he has now earned 17, so the move has definitely worked out for the defender.
The 28-year-old has been a regular in Gerrard’s side ever since, having made 107 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed an impressive seven goals and 31 assists.
He has played a huge part in Rangers’ title win this season, contributing one goal and five assists in 30 top-flight appearances, which have helped him earn a superb 7.35 average rating.
It seems as if Barisic is continuing his form for Rangers with his country, as he produced a Man of the Match display in Croatia’s 1-0 win against Cyprus last weekend.
As per SofaScore, the defender would earn an impressive 7.7/10 match rating, which was enough to see him rated as the best player on the pitch from both sides.
[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]
Considering the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic all featured in the game, it emphasises the immense quality that Barisic possesses, which makes it extremely impressive that Rangers’ former director of football Mark Allen was able to bring him to Ibrox for such a low fee.
Barisic was clearly a threat from both an attacking and defensive point of view throughout the game, as he made three tackles, which was the joint-most of any Croatian player, whilst also attempting 16 crosses during the game, suggesting that one of Zlatko Dalic’s side’s main tactics is to utilise the left-back’s impressive crossing ability.
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Therefore, when you consider that Barisic has become one of the star players for Croatia, who reached the final of the last World Cup, it seems remarkable that Allen and Gerrard were able to bring him to Rangers for just £2.2 million in 2018.
And, in other news… Gerrard suffers potential Rangers blow with £10k-p/w “leader”, Wilson can’t be bullied
The story of Celtic starlet Adam Montgomery is an intriguing one. The talented Hoops prodigy came through the ranks as a striker and forward but he’s been reborn in a new position this term.
He is now a left-back and has gone from running rampant in forward positions to keeping players with similar qualities to his at bay.
Celtic are a club with plenty of pedigree in that position too. They let Andy Robertson go when he was in the U15s while they have recently housed the likes of Aaron Hickey and Kieran Tierney too.
None of them are at the club anymore but Montgomery is very much in the boat of trying to replicate the likes of Tierney.
He was a fan favourite at Paradise and won a multitude of honours before departing for Arsenal in a £25m move two years ago. Celtic have since struggled to replace him, however.
Diego Laxalt was brought in on loan from AC Milan but he is set to head back to Italy in the summer. Greg Taylor has developed nicely in recent months but they could save millions in the transfer window by forgetting about new recruits and bringing through Montgomery instead.
The 18-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance but has been on the bench in recent weeks and is now training with the seniors.
[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-edouard-desmond” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]
He has come a long way since being a plucky forward but he certainly deserves an opportunity to play. After all, the Bhoys are witnessing a number of young players heading for the exit door as a result of no senior opportunities.
Cameron Harper has already headed back to America while Karamoko Dembele’s future is uncertain too. He is out of contract and it doesn’t look as though he’ll pen new terms.
Montgomery’s rise, however, could make up for their exits. Whether it’s in Dembele’s position on the wing or further back in defence, there are a number of players he could succeed in the squad.
His sheer versatility would also be a huge option for John Kennedy or any new manager that arrives.
Speaking about his transition from attack to defence, the teenager said a few weeks ago: “When [changing position] was first to put me, I was a bit ‘ahh’. I am a tricky winger normally, I like beating players and getting at people.”
The youngster added: “The way Celtic play full-backs is very attacking so going back to full-back, it hasn’t been a massive difference for me. I’m really enjoying it.”
Montgomery’s mentality and attitude to the game certainly has to be admired. His maturity appears to be well beyond his age.
Based on that and his ability to play in various roles, he has to be handed a chance. He could save Celtic from making some costly blows in the transfer market.
Whilst Rangers were dominant throughout the game on Wednesday night, there were some disappointing performances from a few of Steven Gerrard’s men.
The Gers pushed an pushed at Livingston on Wednesday night and deserved to come away with the three points after Alfredo Morelos’ late winner, but not every player in a blue shirt played well at the Almondvale Stadium.
Ryan Kent, in particular, was nowhere near his usual standard, with the former Liverpool man struggling to impose himself against David Martindale’s side.
As per SofaScore, the winger would earn a disappointing 6.4 rating for his display, which was the worst of any Rangers player who started the game, and the joint-worst of any player on the pitch.
Whilst Livingston’s tactics of fouling Kent nearly every time he got the ball will have frustrated the winger and Steven Gerrard, they were effective, as it prevented him from having any real impact on the game.
During his 89 minutes on the pitch, the 24-year-old, who reportedly earns £20k per week at Rangers, would fail in his one dribble attempt and would have no shots on target whatsoever.
This is way below the 1.8 dribbles and 2.4 shots per game he has averaged in the Scottish Premiership this season, emphasising that he wasn’t anywhere near his best.
Kent is usually one of Rangers’ most influential players in attack but he was limited to just 39 touches of the ball on Wednesday evening, the fewest of any Rangers player, including goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who would have 48.
The shot-stopper also completed more passes (48) than Kent (20), which again goes to show just how little he was involved during his time on the pitch, as he has averaged 40 passes per game so far this season.
Despite Livingston’s lack of possession, their right-winger Joshua Mullin would have more touches than Kent and would play three key passes compared to Kent’s zero, so it was no surprise to see him rated so low.
Therefore, it could definitely be argued that the winger’s performance was the one blip on a good night for Gerrard, as his side could now seal the title at the weekend if results go their way.
And, in other news… Forget Morelos: “Outstanding” beast who won 88% of his duels was Gerrard’s ace
Aston Villa will be looking to bounce back from their draw with Brighton & Hove Albion when they play host to Leicester City in the Premier League at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Villans will head into the match against Leicester on the back of a 0-0 draw with Brighton away from home in the top flight.
Dean Smith’s side will be determined to make amends when they try to secure all three points from the encounter and maintain their push for a place in the top four.
With that in mind, here is Football FanCast’s prediction for Smith’s starting XI to face Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Ahmed Elmohamady will most likely replace Matty Cash at right-back as one of three changes that could be made this afternoon.
Smith’s No.1 Emi Martinez is fast becoming one of the first names on the team sheet and will keep his place in the starting XI, as he has done for all league games so far this season.
Apart from Elmohamady coming in for the injured Cash, the rest of the back four will be left unchanged. Alongside Matt Target, the in-form Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa are undroppable if fit, and they should provide stability at the back to combat Leicester’s lively attacking players.
It’s hard to imagine too many changes to the midfield, either, with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn also both likely to keep their places, although Morgan Sanson could return in place of Ross Barkley to earn his first start of the season.
Going forward, Ollie Watkins keeps on improving, with two goals in his last four starts.
Last year’s Villa Player of the Season Jack Grealish is a mainstay, while the £75k-per-week Trezeguet, valued at €15m (£13m), deserves the chance to stake his claim for a starting spot after impressing in a brief cameo against Brighton, which means Bertrand Traore may be forced to settle for a place on the bench.
AND in other news, Tyrone Mings was superb for Aston Villa vs Brighton…
Glasgow Rangers have been linked with all and sundry since Steven Gerrard’s side stormed to the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers have just ten days to bring in any new signings, although Gerrard has hinted that there will be more outs than ins at Ibrox in the January transfer window.
But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning out new transfer stories, with Preston North End duo Ben Davies and Daniel Johnson among the names tipped to make the switch to the 54-time Scottish champions.
It appears Gerrard was targeting a new name for Rangers’ defence, as Filip Helander, 27, and Leon Balogun, 32, have been sidelined by knocks and Nikola Katic remains a long-term absentee.
However, despite several outlets suggesting otherwise, a recent report from the Press Association has subsequently revealed that a club insider has made it clear that Rangers have ‘no interest’ in Preston’s Davies, dealing a blow to Gerrard’s chances of finding suitable defensive cover.
If Ross Wilson and co. are serious about stopping Celtic from winning ten in a row and competing in the Europa League, then Davies is the man who could seriously help the club.
This season, the 25-year-old defender is averaging 1.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions in 17 appearances across all competitions, with his 6.83 WhoScored rating ranking him sixth out of Alex Neil’s side – his centre-back partner Patrick Bauer is one of only five players to have a higher rating.
Rangers signed Balogun after he left Wigan Athletic as a free agent at the end of last season – since his arrival last year, Gerrard has opted to go with him as part of his preferred defensive partnership with Connor Goldson, acting as a shield wall for veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Whilst the Nigeria international has shown he can mix it with the best in Scottish football, the same can’t be said for George Edmundson, who has fallen down the pecking order under Gerrard this season.
Although there’s a case to be made that Edmundson still has room to improve at the age of 23, he has largely struggled to impress for the Gers on the very few occasions he has made an appearance after he endured an afternoon to forget against Motherwell at the start of this season, finishing the game with a low 5.8 SofaScore rating – the worst out of any player from either side.
It’s perhaps hardly surprising when you consider the fact that he only won one out of four duels (25%), was dribbled past once and scored an unfortunate own goal, despite playing just 14 minutes of football.
When you consider the fact he was banned for seven games after breaching lockdown regulations, it’s frankly a minor miracle that he is still at the club after his reckless behaviour both on and off the pitch.
On the other hand, Davies has demonstrated a level of confidence and maturity far beyond his years, with WhoScored pointing out that he ‘does not dive into tackles,’ emphasising the fact that he has an experienced head on his young shoulders. It’s a move that Rangers must surely consider before it’s too late.
AND in other news, Rangers should unleash Cedric Itten against Ross County…
Ben Jacobs has shed some light on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and their potential takeover of Newcastle United.
As part of a Twitter thread, the sports journalist has calmed fears that the group are switching attentions from Tyneside to Milan, claiming they are only eyeing a minority stake with the Nerazzurri.
“Remains my understanding that PIF are discussing a minority stake in Inter. They are thus offering Suning a way to offset debt & gain added exposure in MENA. This is a different type of offer to BC or Fortress. Becoming majority owner would be a move of vanity not value for PIF.”
As Jacobs points out, PIF, who are not currently in talks to revive the original deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA consortium, are linked with Inter Milan about investing a minority stake in the Serie A club, who are owned by the Suning Holdings Group.
They are making a different offer to the ones previously made by BC Partners and Fortress, offering a range of benefits including gaining added exposure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Jacobs has claimed that it is “doubtful” that PIF will consider majority ownership for Inter just yet, as the St. James’ Park faithful’s club case is still ongoing, which may create a path back for them if all goes well. However, the journalist did add it could get ‘intriguing’ if the Newcastle saga drags on much longer and Suning decide to sell up.
The arbitration case between the North East club and the Premier League is still pending and should give a clearer view over the direction of where the potential takeover is heading.
If the Magpies were to win this case, it may present a clearer path for PIF to come back to the table, and so any deal with Inter is far from done it seems until this is cleared up first of all.
In other news, find out what details have been shared on a key Premier League decision on the potential takeover here!
According to Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers target Ben Davies has rejected a club-record deal from Preston North End.
The English centre-back has been one of the standout performers for the Championship outfit but now seems destined for a Deepdale exit.
Steven Gerrard has got the Gers far ahead of their arch-rivals in the Scottish Premiership title race and may look for January additions to keep them there and Rangers could trump their bitter rivals Celtic to the signing of the talented Davies during the transfer window.
The Light Blues are in the market for a new centre-back whilst Neil Lennon’s side have their own problems at the back, having shipped 15 goals in 19 games so far.
Gerrard’s Gers have a number of senior players who are out of contract at the end of this season, and though the Rangers manager has insisted that he isn’t looking to sell right now, players such as outcasts George Edmundson and Jordan Jones could be heading for the Ibrox exit in January.
Should such a possibility arise, a bid for Davies could be on the cards with the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire in June this year.
Preston boss Alex Neil has previously heaped praise on the wantaway defender, describing him as a “fantastic” beast after the 2-1 victory over Bristol City back in 2017, whilst former Rangers full-back Alan Hutton recently told Football Insider he “ticks all the boxes.”
Gerrard could cover most of his bases at the back with a versatile player who can play in the centre or on the left if he can convince Ross Wilson to dip into the market.
Davies has made 15 appearances in the Championship this season, picking up one assist, whilst he is currently averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 4.3 clearances on average per game, via WhoScored.
As the Gers seek to stop Celtic from winning ten in a row, the recruitment of Davies could be a good bit of business. Stealing him from right under Celtic’s nose would be the icing on the cake.
AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must reward Leon Balogun for his services with a new contract…