In surprising praise for his former rival, Steven Gerrard claimed that one Manchester United legend would now be the best in his position in the Premier League.
Gerrard has say on Man United rivalry
Gerrard’s Premier League title never quite arrived. Whether it was down to the sudden emergence of a beach ball in front of Pepe Reina or his own disastrous slip against Chelsea many years later is something that many at Anfield will still be thinking about, but it’s also worth considering the strength of Liverpool’s rivals in this era.
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Ben Gray
Oct 7, 2025
This was Man United at their very best. For large parts of this era, they were unstoppable under Sir Alex Ferguson – winning 13 Premier League titles in total. Even Champions League miracle men at Anfield couldn’t stand in the Red Devils’ way and Gerrard has now had his say as to why those at Old Trafford had the edge and the part he played in the rivalry between Man United and Liverpool.
The rivalry was often so fierce that it arguably came to the detriment of England’s Golden Generation. Both camps failed to put their egos aside for the benefit of the Three Lions and ultimately failed as a result.
Now, years later, the respect is finally there in full and Gerrard has even gone as far as to say that one Man United legend would be the “best” in his position these days.
Gerrard: Scholes would be the "best" if he played now
Handing surprising praise to his old rival, Gerrard said that Paul Scholes would be the “best midfielder” in the Premier League nowadays with the technical aspects of his game standing out.
The Liverpool legend told Rio Ferdinand: “I think Scholesy if he played now would hands down be the best midfielder in the Premier League. That’s a fact.”
Scholes in the Premier League
Stats
Appearances
499
Goals
107
Assists
61
Title Wins
11
For so long, there has been a debate around who takes top spot between Frank Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes – a midfield three which somehow never worked for England – but Gerrard seems to believe that it would be the former United man in top spot if all three played in the modern game.
It’s some of the highest praise that Scholes could have received, given the talent in the Premier League these days. Gerrard even put him above Manchester City’s Rodri in what should please those at Old Trafford. And to say that Ruben Amorim could do with a player of Scholes’ calibre now would be an understatement.
أدلى المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، بتصريحات عقب فوزهم المثير في مباراة اليوم ضد ليفربول، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.
واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” قمة منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث حقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.
وقال جوارديولا، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “كان الشوط الأول رائعًا وضغطوا علينا أكثر في الثاني، نسينا اللعب بعض الشئ، خاصة في أول خمس إلى عشر دقائق، فقدنا الكرات ومنحناهم الزخم، ثم سنحت لهم فرصة أو اثنتين”.
وأضاف: “لم يعجبني الشوط الثاني ضد ليفربول، لكننا قدمنا أسبوعًا رائعًا بالنسبة لنا، نيكو أوريلي؟ كان مذهلًا، بشكل عام كان الجميع استثنائيين، هو يستطيع اللعب في ذلك المركز، حضوره في الكرات الثابتة والطويلة سريع، إنه ذكي ويلعب بشكل رائع”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. شبكة إنجليزية: لاعب مانشستر سيتي تفوق على محمد صلاح “التائه” بسهولة
وواصل: “أعتقد أنه كان جيدًا جدًا، لقد كان يُقدم أداءً رائعًا، كان محمد صلاح كابوسًا لنا على مدار سنوات عديدة، لطالما عاقبنا بسرعة، قلت لـ أرويلي (عليك أن تكون شرسًا)، وأن تتلقى المساعدة كلما امتلك صلاح الكرة، لاعبان أو ثلاثة قريبون منه، كان دوكو وبرناردو سيلفا وفودين قريبون منه لعدم تركه في موقف واحد أمام واحد”.
واسترسل: “لقد كانت معركة جماعية مذهلة، كان دفاعه دفاعيًا ممتازًا، خاصة في الشوط الأول. لكن نيكو ارتقى بمستواه خطوة للأمام، عليك أن تثبت أمام أفضل الأجنحة كيف تتصرف وتؤدي، وليس هناك مثال أفضل من مواجهة صلاح، والتعامل معه ببراعة!”.
وفيما يخص أداء جيريمي دوكو، قال: “اسمعوا، أعلم أنني جيد لكن لا تبالغوا في تقديري، اللاعبون هم من يقومون بذلك بأنفسهم، علينا أن نحاول منحهم زخمًا جيدًا وتواصلًا جيدًا، هل تعتقد أنني أعلمه كيفية مراوغة الفرص؟ إنها موهبة طبيعية، قدم مباراة رائعة ضد أحد أفضل المدافعين في الدوري الإنجليزي”.
Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea has admitted he feared a 6-0 loss before VAR intervened in his club's dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna in Serie A. The goalkeeper dismissed pressure as "an excuse" as La Viola remain winless in the relegation zone, relying on two late penalties to salvage a point against their 10-man opponents.
Dramatic comeback salvages point amid protests
Fiorentina's winless start to the 2025-26 campaign looked set to continue in disastrous fashion. Bologna, who remain fifth in the table, established a commanding lead through goals from Santiago Castro in the 25th minute and Nicolo Cambiaghi early in the second half.
The hosts were met with harsh protests from the Franchi crowd as the match unravelled. The turning point arrived when Bologna's Thijs Dallinga appeared to score a third goal, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for an offside against Riccardo Orsolini.
Buoyed by the reprieve, Fiorentina were awarded a penalty, which Albert Gudmundsson converted in the 74th minute. Bologna's task was made more difficult when Emil Holm received a red card in the 83rd minute. Deep into stoppage time, Fiorentina earned a second spot-kick, allowing Moise Kean to secure the equaliser after four minutes of stoppage time.
The statistics reflected a chaotic match. Fiorentina registered 17 total shots, with six on target, while Bologna managed six shots, hitting the target three times. Possession was split evenly at 50-50.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDe Gea admits 6-0 fear after disallowed goal
Speaking to , De Gea confessed the panic that set in after Dallinga's disallowed goal, believing the match was lost.
"After the 3-0, we thought we could lose 6-0, then I don't know why the goal was disallowed, but we gained confidence and almost won," De Gea stated. "The truth is, we could have easily lost, but we played a good last 25 minutes."
The goalkeeper acknowledged the result was ultimately positive given the circumstances. "In the end, though, it's a good point because the game was almost lost, but it's true that we're struggling a bit. We all have to do a little better, and even if it's not easy for the fans, we all have to go in the same direction."
Fiorentina 'can't be afraid' – De Gea
During his post-match press conference, De Gea was adamant that the team's poor mentality is not a valid reason for their position in the table, rejecting the idea that pressure is affecting the squad.
"If we're afraid to play… We're men, we play for Fiorentina: we can't feel the pressure, for me that's an excuse," he said. "We're doing badly on the pitch, some young players may feel the pressure, but this is the time to do better. We're close to getting this victory, I'm sure that when we win we'll start playing better and winning more."
He also addressed the chaotic nature of the match's officiating, stating: "A bit of chaos… Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't, it's a bit strange. But this is football today and we have to accept it."
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Goalkeeper highlights Serie A and Conference League disparity
While Fiorentina have performed adequately in the UEFA Conference League, winning both of their games so far to go top of the table, their domestic form is dire. De Gea pointed to the significant gap in quality between the two competitions as a reason for the discrepancy.
"The level of these two teams we faced in the Conference is lower than in Serie A," De Gea explained. "We played well in the Conference, but in the league we're not the same because it's tougher, we play against strong teams. We're struggling a lot and you can feel it in the locker room too: the only solution is to work and fight game after game.
"Certainly no one expected this start to the season. We haven't won yet, and we're struggling. The team isn't performing well, but we have to stay positive.
"As Kean said, we need to believe more among ourselves… We have to believe more than anyone else, raising the bar and winning games. Serie A is tough, but that's football: we have to stay united with the fans, it's very hard for them too, but we have to follow the same path."
Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to submit an opening offer for a “special” forward, having sent scouts to watch him in action over the weekend.
Spurs looking to sign new forward after disappointing draw
Thomas Frank has made a solid start to life as Tottenham boss, but there have been a couple of worrying results, having lost 1-0 at home to AFC Bournemouth at the end of August, and they came close to suffering another loss on Saturday afternoon.
Heading into the game, Wolverhampton Wanderers were the only side yet to pick up a point in the Premier League, but they very nearly took all three against Spurs, with a late Joao Palhinha goal salvaging a draw for the hosts.
It was a game devoid of many real chances, with Frank’s side recording an xG of just 0.91, which is arguably a worrying sign in a match against a struggling side, and the Lilywhites have now entered the mark to sign a new forward.
That is according to a report from Brazil (via Sport Witness), which states Tottenham are expected to make an opening bid in the region of £25.7m for Vasco da Gama forward Rayan, having sent scouts to watch him in action at the weekend.
Zenit St Petersburg are also keen on the 19-year-old, and the Russian side have already submitted an offer of their own, so Spurs may need to move swiftly to ensure they win the race for his signature.
The teenager is described as a 1v1 winger, who is capable of playing on both wings, which suggests he could be a viable alternative for Savinho, who is now set to extend his Manchester City contract until 2031.
Thomas Frank hails 2 more Tottenham stars alongside Palhinha after Wolves draw
The Spurs boss called it “huge”.
ByCharlie Smith Sep 28, 2025 "Special" Rayan could be future star
Lauded as “special” by Vasco da Gama manager Fernando Diniz, the starlet has already established himself as an important player for the Brazilian side, making 83 appearances in all competitions, during which time he’s picked up 15 goals and two assists.
Diniz isn’t the youngster’s only admirer either, with scout Ben Mattinson praising the Brazilian for his finishing ability a little over a year ago.
After missing out on Savinho, Tottenham were unable to bring in another out-and-out winger during the summer transfer window, so it would make sense to explore a move for an alternative option this January.
It would be a risk to sign Rayan, given that he is unproven outside Brazil, but the Rio de Janeiro-born forward clearly has a lot of potential, and a fee in the region of £25m could end up being a bargain in the long run.
Tottenham Hotspur kick-started their Champions League 2025/26 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over LaLiga outfit Villarreal in North London last night.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from Thomas Frank’s men, but it was a performance that got the job done and secured all three points in their opening encounter.
The Lilywhites will need to produce better displays going forward if they are to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.
There’s no doubt the Dane will ensure the side don’t replicate such a display, especially when the side travel to face Bodo Glimt in their next European outing at the end of the month.
However, if the side is to produce a better display in Norway, the manager will need to drop one player after his dismal showing against Marcelino Garcia’s men.
Why Richarlison needs to be dropped by Frank
While Richarlison has been a live wire for Spurs this campaign, netting two goals to date, his showing against Villarreal was arguably one of his worst in the new season.
The Brazilian was handed the responsibility of leading the line once again, but failed to produce a performance highlighting the trust put into him by boss Frank.
He only registered 23 touches during his 77-minute performance, completing just three passes in the process – subsequently failing to maintain possession for the Lilywhites.
The 28-year-old also failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles and failed to register a single effort on goal, further showcasing his lack of positive impact in the final third.
Richarlison’s dismal outing didn’t stop there, even picking up a yellow card for a late challenge on Juan Foyth – showing glimpses of his rash past, which has led to questions previously being asked about his attitude.
There’s no denying that the manager should drop him from his next starting eleven, but he shouldn’t be alone in being excluded after his recent showing in the Champions League.
The Spurs star who should be dropped alongside Richarlison
The start to the Frank reign at Spurs has been a positive one, with his side winning four of the first five competitive games he’s taken charge of in 2024/25.
Wins against Manchester City, Burnley and West Ham United were certainly more convincing, but the same can’t be said for the showing against the Spanish outfit last night.
The three points will be the most important aspect, but the manager will no doubt be concerned about his team’s lack of talent during the 1-0 triumph on home soil.
Richarlison was just one player who failed to deliver, but Djed Spence also fell into such a category despite his own recent rise to stardom in North London.
The full-back has started every game of Frank’s tenure, subsequently leading to the 25-year-old claiming his maiden England call-up during the recent international break.
However, his recent success is credit to the player, but his outing against Villarreal showed glimpses of arrogance – resulting in a debut Champions League performance to forget.
Spence featured for 69 minutes against the Spanish outfit, winning just one tackle and failing to make a single interception – falling way below the standards he’s set for himself.
Minutes played
69
Touches
52
Tackles won
1
Interceptions made
0
Possession lost
9x
Misplaced passes
6
Recoveries made
0
Match rating
5/10
He also lost possession nine times, misplacing six of his attempted passes, even registering just 52 touches of the ball – a tally fewer than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who managed 55.
As a result of his showing, Spence was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold – further highlighting his struggles in Europe’s biggest competition.
Such a showing will cast doubt over his position in the first-team squad, which could see Destiny Udogie handed a rare start in the Premier League this weekend.
The Englishman and Richarlison certainly endured evenings to forget last night, with Frank needing to try alternative solutions if he is to maintain the excellent start to life in the role.
He'll be Frank's own Bale: Spurs have hit gold on "phenomenal" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.
Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its decisive stages.
The club are locked in a complex situation involving Alexander Isak, who has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Swede has not featured in either of Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixtures and has refused to train, citing broken promises and a desire for change.
Without a recognised number nine, the Magpies have looked blunt in attack.
Against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle created opportunities but lacked a clinical edge, with makeshift forward Anthony Gordon even seeing red in the latter fixture.
That dismissal leaves William Osula as the only available striker, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Newcastle line up move for new striker target
Eddie Howe’s men have moved for several targets already this summer.
Bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen have been rejected, while they’re also now tracking Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With Liverpool circling around Isak, the club have turned to the continent for solutions.
According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, intermediaries are attempting to engineer a deal between Newcastle United and AS Roma for Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.
The Magpies are said to have proposed a dry loan, though Roma are holding firm: they want either a permanent sale or guarantees that a deal will eventually be made permanent.
Villarreal are also interested in the forward. The Spanish side, having agreed a £26m deal to sell winger Yeremy Pino to Crystal Palace, have the funds available to pursue Dovbyk, though they too have only offered a loan arrangement.
Roma are demanding around €30m (£25m) for the 28-year-old, who joined from Girona last summer.
Why Dovbyk could be a better fit than Sørloth
Dovbyk scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 32 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Italy, following on from a remarkable final campaign in Spain where he fired Girona into the Champions League with 24 goals and eight assists.
The Ukrainian international has 36 caps and 11 goals for his country and has drawn praise from some high-profile figures.
Former Manchester City, Liverpool and Italy forward Mario Balotelli recently remarked: “In terms of style, I would say he is similar to Haaland.”
With Isak unwilling to return and Callum Wilson having left for West Ham after his contract expired, the Magpies are short of options.
Newcastle United'sCallumWilsonsalutes their fans after the match
Dovbyk is now seen as one of the most viable replacements to fill the void and give Howe the focal point his system demands.
The arrival of a new number nine at St James’ Park has been a pressing issue for months, and much of the conversation has centred on whether Newcastle should prioritise Dovbyk or another prominent target: Sørloth.
Sørloth, who enjoyed a prolific campaign with Atlético Madrid last season, netted 20 goals and supplied two assists across 35 La Liga appearances.
The 29-year-old Norwegian stands taller than Dovbyk’s 1.89 at 1.95m and has extensive international experience, with 63 caps and 24 goals for his country.
His form in Spain has reignited his reputation following a disappointing spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where he failed to score in 16 appearances.
By comparison, Dovbyk is slightly younger at 28 and has demonstrated consistency in two of Europe’s top leagues.
His record for Girona marked him out as one of the most lethal strikers in La Liga, and his transition to Serie A saw him continue to contribute regularly.
For Newcastle, that track record of adaptation could be crucial in the Premier League. A statistical comparison between the two highlights the differences in their playing styles.
Matches Played
35
32
Goals
20
12
Assists
2
2
Progressive Carries
32
24
Progressive Passes
31
16
Sørloth’s numbers showcase his volume shooting and ability to dominate games as a target man.
According to FBref, he registered 4.48 shots per 90 last season with Atlético compared to Dovbyk’s 2.27, and scored 19 non-penalty goals compared to Dovbyk’s ten.
His shooting accuracy was also higher, with 51.3% of attempts hitting the target against Dovbyk’s 41%.
AS Roma's Artem Dovbyk celebrates scoring their first goal withLorenzoPellegrini
However, Dovbyk edges his rival in other areas. He is more efficient in possession, completing 74.1% of his passes compared to Sørloth’s 63.8%, and averages more shot-creating actions per 90 (1.94 to 1.73).
He is also less reliant on sheer volume, with his ten non-penalty goals last season coming from an expected goals figure of 10.3 – suggesting he converts chances at the rate they are expected, without overperforming.
Sørloth, by contrast, scored 19 from 16.0 expected goals, hinting at a potentially unsustainable level of finishing.
Alexander Sorloth celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid.
Stylistically, Dovbyk offers Newcastle a profile closer to Isak’s. He can link play, operate as a focal point, and combine technical quality with aerial presence. Sørloth, meanwhile, provides sheer firepower.
His 22 goal involvements outweigh Dovbyk’s 14, but his reliance on high shooting volume may raise concerns about sustainability in a league where space is harder to find.
For Newcastle, the decision could come down to balance. They require not just goals, but a striker who complements their pressing game and fluid attacking style. Dovbyk’s blend of technical skill, physicality, and adaptability suggests he may be the more suitable long-term option, particularly if Isak departs for Liverpool.
Gordon upgrade: Al-Rumayyan in talks to sign £65m "nuisance" for Newcastle
Newcastle are approaching crunch time in their drawn-out bid to sign a striker this summer.
The attacking department at Tottenham Hotspur has been subject to somewhat of an overhaul this summer, especially after the departure of fan favourite Heung-min Son.
The South Korean departed in a £20m move to join MLS outfit LAFC, ending his Lilywhites career on a high after claiming the Europa League title at the end of last season.
However, it was an emotional departure, bringing an end to his decade-long stint in North London – a period that saw him amass over 400 appearances and become the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.
At 33, it was undoubtedly the right call to allow him to move on to pastures new, but it’s left a void in the forward area – something which Thomas Frank will want to fill before the end of the summer window.
Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already been added to such a department, the new boss has made it abundantly clear that he wants added reinforcements to help him in his quest to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Spurs preparing another big move after Eze
A deal for Eberechi Eze has been in the pipeline for numerous weeks now, but a deal seems to be edging closer to completion, after key moves were made by Daniel Levy.
It was reported that the Spurs owner held face-to-face talks with Steve Parish over a move for the Englishman, which has seen a verbal agreement of £55m plus £5m in add-ons be reached in recent days.
A deal for the 27-year-old could see the Lilywhites’ pursuit of a new number ten finally come to an end, subsequently turning their attention to Monaco star Magnhes Akliouche in an attempt to further strengthen the squad.
According to The Independent, Frank’s men have identified the winger as the latest attacking target this window, potentially pursuing a move for the 23-year-old before the September 1st deadline.
AS Monaco's MaghnesAkliouche
Their report claims that the Frenchman is seen as an alternative to Manchester City’s Savinho after the lack of progress on a deal for the Brazilian, with Akliouche a cheaper option, currently available for around a bargain fee of £43.5m.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect alongside Eze
As previously mentioned, a deal for Eze appears to finally be edging towards its completion, in a deal that would be yet another excellent deal for Spurs this window.
The attacking midfielder was one of the most potent number 10s in the division last year, managing to register 26 combined goals and assists – subsequently firing the Eagles to FA Cup glory.
If he can replicate such numbers across the capital in 2025/26, it would be a signing that would go a long way to improving the options at Frank’s disposal – making the side a force to be reckoned with across all competitions.
Such a deal would also allow the Lilywhites to get one over their bitter North London rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners also previously interested in a move for the England international.
However, the prospect of Eze operating in Frank’s side is scary enough, not to mention the potential partnership he could strike up with Akliouche, should he too make the move to join the club.
He may be an unknown quantity to many, but the 23-year-old enjoyed a season to remember in his homeland last campaign, notching seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
His underlying stats were just as impressive, adding another dimension to the Lilywhites squad, offering another huge attacking threat in the hierarchy’s quest for added success in the near future.
Akliouche, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box and passes into the 18-yard box last campaign – highlighting his ability to create or be on the end of chances.
Such numbers would fit perfectly into the hands of Eze, who registered 12 assists last season, with the pair able to link up and improve their respective tallies in North London.
Maghnes Akliouche’s stats for Monaco in Ligue 1 (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
32
Goals & assists
15
Pass accuracy
82%
Progressive passes
6.5
Progressive carries
4.8
Touches in opposition box
5.4
Passes into the opposition box
2.4
Carries into final third
1.8
Take-on success
49%
Key passes made
1.9
Stats via FBref
The Monaco youngster also ranked in the 94th percentile for carries into the final third, whilst posting a 49% take-on success rate, subsequently able to get the ball into dangerous areas at any given opportunity.
His talents are further reflected in his progressive passes per 90 rate, averaging 5.5 per 90, with such tools able to find Eze – who will be required to make third-man runs in behind the striker within Frank’s current system.
Whilst both players would set the club back over £100m, they are additions that need to be made if the club are to build on their recent European triumph in 2024/25.
Both players are extremely technical, having the talent to get out of tight spaces and create endless opportunities, with Akliouche in particular being an exciting addition for the immediate and long-term future in North London.
Romero will love him: Spurs chasing "one of the best defenders in the PL"
Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land another top defensive talent this summer.
Alexander Isak’s arrival at Liverpool will allow some goal-scoring responsibility to be shifted away from Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian superstar has been told that the addition of another forward “won’t improve” his numbers. Salah has been a revelation for the Reds, but they have now splashed out £125 million ($170m) on adding Swedish striker Isak to their ranks.
Salah's record: Total number of Liverpool goals
Salah has registered 247 goals for Liverpool through 406 appearances, becoming a club legend at Anfield in the process. He has committed to a new contract that is set to keep him on Merseyside until 2027.
AdvertisementGettyIsak the most expensive signing in British football
Isak has now linked up with the reigning Premier League champions, becoming the most expensive player in British football history, and should help to make Liverpool an even more formidable proposition in the final third of the field.
Isak's impact? What ex-Reds star thinks
Quizzed on whether Isak’s presence could impact Salah’s output, former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “Salah found it hard to score from open play in the second half of last season. Once you get past 30, and I think he’s 33 now, there aren’t an awful lot of players scoring on a consistent basis in the Premier League. You’ve got [Robert] Lewandowski who does it, you’ve got [Harry] Kane; in the Premier League, you don’t.
“Salah was a freak of nature, very rarely injured, the numbers he got. But I think everything will deteriorate at some stage, and I think we saw it at times last season. Again this year he hasn’t found it easier scoring goals, creating or getting chances. The dynamic has changed as well because in the past Salah was the guy they looked for. Now it might be [Florian] Wirtz, even though he’s had a very disappointing start to his Liverpool career, and now with Isak coming in, obviously there are two ways of seeing it.
“You can say there’s another guy taking attention and maybe taking balls away from Salah. On the other hand, you can say maybe it gives him a bit more space because they have to look after two or three top players. My gut feeling is that the arrival of Isak won’t improve Salah’s numbers.”
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Getty ImagesWill Wirtz come good for Liverpool?
Having hinted at Wirtz’s slow start to life in England, Hamann went on to say of his fellow German – who moved to Anfield in a £116m ($158m) transfer of his own – and what a successful debut campaign with Liverpool will look like: “Well, if they win the league and he contributes, I’d say he’s done his job. He’s a young player, but age doesn’t really come into it because he cost a lot of money.
“I wouldn’t like to quote you a number. But obviously it’s got to start at some stage, because he’s had a disappointing start to his career. It’s a different game, it’s more physical, it’s quicker, and free kicks aren’t given as easily as in Germany. This is something he has to learn.
“When you come to England, you have to mature quickly, because if he has another two or three disappointing performances, I don’t think [Arne] Slot will worry about it, but there might be a time where he says, ‘Maybe it’s better I leave him out for half an hour or 60 minutes’. And if the team does well, then you might have a problem. Then again, they’ve got so many games there’ll be time for everybody. But you want him to come good sooner rather than later.
“I’m not a big fan of assists because if you pass the ball three yards and somebody knocks it in the top corner from 40 yards, you get an assist for it, so I’m not a big assists man. I know how good he is and I’ve told everybody how good he is. I hope he does come good sooner rather than later. In all competitions, I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t get into double figures for goals.”
Arsenal have spent big in transfer windows in the past, but this summer is starting to feel like something else entirely.
At the back, Andrea Berta and Co have signed Kepa Arizabalaga and are soon to sign Christian Mosquera.
In midfield, they’ve made a significant investment in the £60m Martin Zubimendi, are being linked with Eberechi Eze, and have completed the shrewd signing of Christian Norgaard.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetain the stands before the match
Then, in attack, the club are set to land Noni Madueke for around £52m and, perhaps most exciting of all, look set to make the statement signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, they are now looking at someone who’d help him perform even better at the Emirates.
Arsenal target perfect teammate for Gyokeres
There was no doubt in the minds of most fans that, coming into this summer, Arsenal had to go all out for a new striker.
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Mikel Arteta and Co must have felt the same way, as their hunt for a number nine has been one of the biggest sagas of the window thus far.
However, once it was clear that Benjamin Sesko was being priced out of a move by RB Leipzig, the Gunners promptly turned their attention to Gyokeres.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
Despite Sporting CP’s president talking a big game, it now looks like the North Londoners have got their man, for an initial price said to be just £55m.
The good news doesn’t stop there, though, as it now appears that Berta and Co are looking to sign another attacker, someone who could help the Swede perform even better at the Emirates.
At least, that is according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, who has revealed that Arsenal are keen on Anthony Gordon.
Jacobs claims that the Premier League runners-up hold a ‘genuine interest’ in the Newcastle United star, although they’d likely have to make a sale before making an offer for him.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
Moreover, while there is no mention of how much he might cost in the story, reports from earlier this month claim that the Magpies could demand as much as £100m for the Englishman.
While it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Gordon would undoubtedly be a level-raiser for Arsenal’s left-hand side, and someone who could help Gyokeres be even more effective.
Why Gordon would make Gyokeres even better
While there are undoubtedly a range of reasons Gordon could help Gyokeres perform at an even higher level at Arsenal next season, the most important of the lot is down to his output.
After all, if the Swedish international isn’t being supplied a steady stream of chances to convert, he’s not going to rack up the goals.
Additionally, with 13 assists to his name last season, the former Coventry City ace is reasonably creative, but if the man to his left isn’t a reliable finisher, then he won’t see his assist tally soar either.
Fortunately, over the last couple of years, the Newcastle star has proven himself to be a real threat on the wing, both as a creator and a goalscorer.
For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.
Anthony Gordon
In other words, the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes across the last two years.
In contrast, Gabriel Martinelli, who he’d likely replace, has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 95 games, totalling 6204 minutes in the same period, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or every 213.93 minutes.
Appearances
48
44
Minutes
3869′
2640′
Goals
12
8
Assists
16
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.29
Minutes per Goal Involvement
138.17′
203.07′
Appearances
42
51
Minutes
2946′
3564′
Goals
9
10
Assists
7
6
Goal Involvements per Match
0.38
0.31
Minutes per Goal Involvement
184.12′
222.75′
Finally, in addition to his output, the former Everton gem also ranked in the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes into the penalty area last season, according to FBref.
This is important because, by looking at the Swedish goal machine’s heatmap from last season, it’s evident that he likes to spend as much time in the penalty area as possible.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
Therefore, to get the most out of him, his teammates need to get the ball to him in dangerous areas, which is something the Toon star could do based on that metric.
Ultimately, Gyokeres has the potential to be a game-changing signing for Arsenal, and Arteta and Co. could get even more out of him by pairing him up with Gordon.
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After confirming the arrival of 18-year-old Diego Leon, Manchester United chiefs are now reportedly discussing the chance to sign an impressive defender who is wanted by “half of the Premier League”.
Man Utd confirm Diego Leon arrival
In their second signing of the summer following the earlier arrival of Matheus Cunha, Manchester United have officially unveiled new man Leon. The left-back, who only turned 18 in April, is likely one for the future but certainly one to watch as he progresses under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford in the coming years.
Although the teenager won’t steal the same headlines as Cunha, his arrival could eventually prove to be just as important. With the South American confirmed too, Manchester United have officially continued their trend of welcoming young defenders in the last 12 months following Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven last season.
It’s not just young players that are on United’s radar, however. The Red Devils are still chasing a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo with negotiations ongoing in pursuit of a deal worth over £60m this summer.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
The winger is likely to cost around the same price as Cunha, who joined the club for £63m this summer, and would provide Amorim with yet another attacking upgrade.
Starts
38
29
Goals
20
15
Assists
7
6
Expected Goals
12.3
8.6
Last season’s numbers suggest that signing Mbeumo alongside Cunha would make it job done for Manchester United’s attacking rebuild, but they’re still reportedly targeting the likes of Victor Osimhen to truly round things off.
Meanwhile, those at Old Trafford are also reportedly discussing the chance to welcome a key defensive addition before the new Premier League season gets underway.
Man Utd discussing Bisseck deal
According to Caught Offside, Recruitment chiefs at Manchester United are now discussing signing Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, but reportedly face competition from “half of the Premier League” for his signature. The central defender played his part as Inter reached the Champions League final last season and may yet bring that experience to English football.
Described as a “commanding” defender who is “dominant” in wide channels by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bisseck – like Mbeumo and Cunha – would hand Manchester United an instant upgrade on their current options.
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The Red Devils have already surprised many by taking charge of the race to sign Mbeumo and could yet do the same in pursuit of the Inter defender. Despite interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, the Manchester United name may remain strong enough to lure another reinforcement to Old Trafford.