Rafa Benitez’s Everton tenure has been close to perfect so far with the Spaniard dropping just two points since returning to Merseyside.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been among the goals, his new signings have hit the ground running but there does remain one problem.

On the chalkboard

That issue happens to be in defence where the Toffees have struggled this season.

They have kept just one clean sheet – a 2-0 win over Brighton – and even conceded a sloppy goal to Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup.

The man at fault in that clash happened to be Michael Keane. He lost his marker and continued a horrid trend this term of making mistakes.

Keane was also at fault during the draw with Leeds when he turned too slowly and let Patrick Bamford take up possession before he supplied a goal.

The English centre-half did return to form against the Seagulls but he has proven to be too much of a liability to trust in recent months.

The solution

Fortunately, Benitez will be able to call upon Ben Godfrey for the first time as Everton manager when they face Burnley on Monday evening.

The former Norwich gem hasn’t played a single minute this term but has returned to the fray this week according to the manager.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 61-year-old said: “The majority of the players are fine. We have two or three issues, but Yerry (Mina) and Ben (Godfrey) are training already.”

With Godfrey’s return to fitness and Keane’s lack of form in mind, Everton simply have to turn to him Monday.

That’s especially when you consider how his qualities could match up against a strong and physical Burnley side.

Speaking about him last season, Carlo Ancelotti outlined what sets him apart from other defenders. He commented: “I found a really fantastic defender. He has all the quality a defender needs. He is powerful, has a lot of energy, tactically intelligent, really aggressive, can play in different positions.”

Aggression and power is exactly what Everton will need against Sean Dyche’s men so it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw the 23-year-old start for the first time this term.

The £68k-per-week centre-back’s pace is electric which is the polar opposite to Keane, someone who even struggled with Bamford’s movement against Leeds.

If Everton want to continue their promising start to the campaign then Godfrey has to play this week. With his attributes in mind, he could be absolutely game-changing for the rest of the Toffees team.

AND in other news, Bye-bye James: Rafa must unleash Everton’s “sensational” rarely-seen 17 y/o this term…

Aston Villa’s official foundation page posted details of a number of supporters being invited to Villa Park to watch first-team training on Tuesday afternoon.

And plenty of fans then heaped praise towards the club for their act of kindness on social media.

Dean Smith’s side have recently come off the back of a memorable 1-0 win at Old Trafford over Manchester United and are now preparing to take on Tottenham this weekend.

Villa trained on the Villa Park surface ahead of Sunday’s visit to north London and invited supporters who have faced adversity in terms of their mental or physical health to watch the session in person.

The club’s official foundation page shared three pictures alongside their message on Tuesday, two of which were of Smith.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the tweet after Villa’s official account retweeted the update, with one labelling it as ‘amazing’.

“This is brilliant”

Credit: @IanHill101

“Amazing. Hope everyone who attended had the most special day”

Credit: @Villa4LifeAlex

“Outstanding”

Credit: @DrWho__10

“These owners. These people in charge. This team. This club. My club.”

Credit: @TalkTrinity

“My club simply the best”

Credit: @MelVallings

“Love our club. UTV”

Credit: @deanoav

In other news: ‘Good god’  – Many Villa fans go wild at Sky Sports footage. 

Reliable Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece has admitted that there is a Plan B for Louie Barry in January.

Barry was one of a number of academy players who were sent out on loan in the summer.

He joined League One side Ipswich Town, however, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the centre-forward, who is awaiting his first goal under Paul Cook.

The 18-year-old has started just three games in all competitions and hasn’t featured in eight of the Tractor Boys’ 10 third-tier fixtures.

Preece was asked by one Villa fan in a Q&A for Birmingham Live on Wednesday about Barry and if the club were planning on recalling the forward in the winter window.

He revealed that Villa are monitoring Barry closely, with a possible plan to end his Ipswich stay before loaning him to a League Two side in the New Year where he would feature more regularly from the off.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Preece’s claim regarding Barry on Twitter on Thursday afternoon. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply…

“It was an absolutely terrible loan move.”

Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ

“Knew this would be the case. Not worked out at Ipswich.”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

“Jedinak needs to send him to Swindon”

Credit: @MasonUTFV

“Hope so, he’s losing important development minutes on the pitch atm. I say bring him home and loan him to Walsall”

Credit: @MikeKnott10

“Would be sensible. Clearly working well for Kesler Hayden, and even the National League was clearly a good move for Archer last season. If Ipswich don’t want to play ball then there’ll be much better spots for him elsewhere.”

Credit: @rad_nauseam

“Get him to Swindon”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

In other news: ‘When is it gonna end?’ – Many Villa fans react as ‘ridiculous’ news confirmed.

أعلن نادي بوروسيا دورتموند المنافس في بطولة الدوري الألماني عن مدة غياب مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، سيباستيان هالير، بعد إصابته بورم سرطاني في الخصيتين.

وكان هالير قد شعر ببعض الآلام في موضع الإصابة بعد الخضوع لعملية جراحية لإزالة الورم السرطاني، وحدد نادي بوروسيا دورتموند شهرين على الأقل لعودة اللاعب من جديد.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جماهير اتحاد جدة تطالب الإدارة برفض بن شرقي

وتحدث المدير الرياضي لنادي بوروسيا دورتموند، سيباستيان كيل، عن حالة هالير، وقال: “ما زال الجهاز الطبي يدرس البرنامج العلاجي الذي سيسير عليه اللاعب”.

وكان مهاجم كوت ديفوار قد انضم إلى بوروسيا دورتموند في الصيف الحالي ولمدة 4 سنوات ولكنه يبدو أن بداية مشواره مع الفريق الألماني لن يبدأ الآن.

وتابع كيل: “هناك خيارات يتم دراستها في الوقت الحالي من أجل اختيار البديل المناسب خاصة وأن جدول مبارياتنا مضغوط حتى شهر نوفمبر”.

Mahela Jayawardene was a very relieved captain at the end of the fifth and final one-day international when his team eventually got the better of India and avoided a rare 5-0 whitewash

Sa'adi Thawfeeq in Colombo08-Feb-2009
Mahela Jayawardene: “Today we showed that we had a team doing well but had a bad series. ” © AFP
Mahela Jayawardene was a very relieved captain at the end of the fifth and final one-day international when his team eventually got the better of India and avoided a rare 5-0 whitewash. Sri Lanka’s 68-run victory in the last match stopped India’s run of consecutive wins at nine, but Jayawardene was all to aware that his team needed to up their performance.”We had to get it right in the last game and we managed to do that. I am pleased with the guys, but disappointed with the series,” said Jayawardene. “We played to our plan batting first … we always wanted to get a good start. Sanath [Jayasuriya] and [Tillakaratne] Dilshan gave us a really good start and from there onwards we created a platform where we could accelerate.”It was much easier for the guys to score on the wicket today. It wasn’t’ turning that much and we managed to get 300, which we knew was always going to be tough. With a long Indian batting line-up we had to take wickets upfront and when they were going for their shots we managed to create opportunities and hold onto the catches and play a really good game.”Summing up the series, Jayawardene said Sri Lanka didn’t play to their potential. “Today we showed that we had a team doing well but had a bad series. After every game we lost we had chats about how we could improve and get back into the series. Hats off to everybody, they tried their best. Unfortunately we couldn’t get into the series where we made mistakes in some of the matches and were outplayed in the others.””Credit should go to the Indians the way they handled the third and the fourth ODIs, whereas we had our opportunities in the first two games. In the last game we always knew we had the quality to get together and show what we’ve got. I am pretty happy for the guys the way we came back today,” said Jayawardene.Jayawardene had lost all four previous tosses in the series, and Sri Lanka had been blanked 4-0, but he didn’t feel losing the toss was a massive factor in a poor performance. “The toss might play a crucial part but after the toss you know the realities that you have to chase runs down. So we had to make sure we kept them under a decent score and then chased it down to the best of our ability,” he said. “It was tough to bat under lights and the wicket gets slower helping the spinners do get a bit of purchase off it. On hindsight I think we still should have played much better cricket and pushed the Indians a bit more.”The last time India played Sri Lanka in an ODI series, at the end of the 2008 summer, the scores had been much lower than this series. Jayawardene recognised that Sri Lanka’s batting had been poor then too, and called on the middle order to be more consistent. He also said Sri Lanka needed to clean up in the other departments.”We made a lot of mistakes in the series with our fielding, bowling and in batting as well in particular games,” he said. “If you are playing top teams we know we have to get it right all the time. That’s what good teams do. We have to take whatever the positives from this series and learn not to make the same mistakes again from the negatives and move forward. We got some really good cricket coming up, so we need to keep pushing ourselves to be better cricketers.”Sri Lanka finish the series with a Twenty20 international on Tuesday, the first to be held in the country, and then return to Pakistan for the Test leg of their split tour.

An exciting behind-the-scenes claim has emerged over West Ham’s summer signing Kurt Zouma this week…

What’s the word?

According to ever-reliable Irons insider ExWHUemployee, the centre-back has slotted in seamlessly since his £29.8m move from Chelsea last month and has already become a hit with his teammates in training.

Speaking on this week’s episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, he said:

“Zouma was superb [against Manchester United]. Honestly, I thought that was such a good performance from him and it really excites me how well he played – 26 years of age, French international, Champions League and [Premier] League winner.

“I thought he’s settled in really well. I’ve asked around a little bit to see what the new guys are like and all of them seem to be quite popular, but he’s the one that everyone says, ‘oh what a lad, he’s so funny, he’s a top bloke’, so I think he’s got the right personality for the team.

“I just thought he was brilliant. I thought he was everywhere in the air, intercepting, strong. Bearing in mind he was playing against [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I thought he was brilliant.”

Huge impact already

This is the sort of thing that both manager David Moyes and the Hammers faithful will absolutely love hearing as it bodes well for the team’s chemistry and the Frenchman’s ability to fit right in despite a major change in his career.

Such a claim is surely echoed by Zouma’s own recent comments.

“I’m settling in very well,” the 26-year-old told West Ham’s official website.  “I’ve met some top guys here, top players too and I feel like I’ve been here for many years already.”

It certainly puts to bed one rumour that suggested some of Moyes’ squad were upset by the £120k-per-week wages the new signing received.

According to The Sun (via the Daily Mail), Zouma’s salary ‘has not gone down particularly well with his new team-mates’, who have become a ‘tight-knit’ group under the Scotsman.

Ex’s latest claim would say otherwise and that’ll surely leave many around the London Stadium delighted.

The Irons may have been defeated 2-1 by the Red Devils, who had last season’s loan star Jesse Lingard bag a late, and bitter, winner but Zouma did excel on his Premier League debut for the club.

He rated among their best performers (7.1) and also recorded a game-high 12 clearances, two interceptions and one tackle, via SofaScore. His experience and quality will be a major asset for the east Londoners throughout the season and already, he looks to have been an ideal addition.

The £28.8m-rated colossus may soon become a fan-favourite at the Hammers.

AND in other news, Moyes has played a blinder over “unplayable” West Ham gem, his value has increased 50%…

تحدث البرتغالي روي فيتوريا، المدير الفني الجديد لمنتخب مصر، عن كواليس المفاوضات مع حازم إمام عضو اتحاد الكرة، مُشيرًا إلى أنه لم يسبق أن وقع على عقد مع أي ناد دربه لمدة 4 سنوات.

وأعلن اتحاد الكرة في وقتٍ سابق، تعيين روي فيتوريا مدربًا لمنتخب مصر بعقد يمتد لـ 4 سنوات، خلفًا لإيهاب جلال، الذي تمت إقالته عقب إدارة المنتخب في 3 مباريات فقط من بينها واحدة ودية.

وقال فيتوريا في فيديو نشر على الصفحة الرسمية للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم: “تم التواصل معي من خلال كابتن حازم إمام من حوالي شهر، كانت محادثة واضحة تمامًا، بين شخصين محترفين في كرة القدم”.

وتابع: “فهمت بسرعة صيغة الرسالة، وفهمت ما كان المراد منها، فهمنا بعضنا بسهولة في بداية الأمر، ولهذا اتخذت القرار في نفس اللحظة، وبعدها بدأ النقاش في بنود تخص العقود، ولكن كان قراري حاسمًا أنني أريد القدوم إلى مصر، أحببت جدًا أن هذه الدعوة جاءت الآن، وها نحن هنا”.

طالع أيضًا.. بطولات يكشف سبب طلب فيتوريا جلسة مع عامر حسين

وأضاف: “في الأندية التي عملت بها لم أوقع على عقود بـ 4 سنوات، ولكن عمليًا هناك ثلاثة منها عملت بها لمدة 4 سنوات، ولهذا عندما تم عرض هذا العقد علي، فهمت الأهداف وفهمت ما القصد وقبلت وقلت هيا نبدأ العمل”.

وواصل: “بطولة إفريقيا كانت ستلعب في 2023 وتم تأجيلها لـ 2024، وبعدها سيكون أمامنا بطولة كأس العالم، ولهذه التوقيتات للبطولات كانت اقتراحات الاتحاد منطقية جدًا وها نحن هنا”.

وأردف: “نحن نعمل بالفعل أنا وفريقي الفني على ملاحظة أشياء كثيرة في الكرة المصرية، ونلاحظ كل ما له علاقة بالدوري المصري، نتابع اللاعبين المحترفين، وكل اللاعبين المصريين في العالم كله، ولهذا نحن متحفزون وجاهزون للعمل”.

واستكمل: “سنقوم بالعمل في كل المسارات والمجالات التي يجب علينا أن نعمل على إدارتها جيدًا، بالتأكيد نتابع الجميع، ونتابع كل المباريات واللاعبين، منهم المحترفين والناشئين، لنقوم بتكوين صورة واقعية عن اللاعب المصري”.

واختتم: “تحدثت مع محمد صلاح، أظنها كانت محادثة أولية لطيفة من لاعب يُعد من أفضل اللاعبين في العالم، يقوم بالترحيب بالمدرب الجديد لمنتخب بلده، أود أن أشكره على ذلك، وأود أن أقول له ولكل اللاعبين هيا نعمل سويًا، ليكون كل المصريين فخورين بكم وبالمنتخب”.

Many Rangers fans have reacted to an image of defender Connor Goldson training before tonight’s Europa League clash with Lyon.

The 28-year-old missed Saturday’s 2-1 away win at St Johnstone after self-isolating, but he could return for the Gers’ Europa League opener with French side Lyon.

Goldson has made 171 appearances for the Premiership champions since his move from Brighton in 2018, including a massive 56 showings coming in last season’s campaign, with the defender also scoring eight goals.

The official Rangers Twitter account tweeted an image of the defender participating in training prior to tonight’s match, with the caption reading, ‘Goldson back in action’.

Filip Helander partnered Leon Balogun in Saturday’s victory, but the Swedish defender himself sustained a knee injury in the victory and is now out for the ‘foreseeable future’.

Having Goldson back for the visit of Lyon will lift the spirits amongst the supporters and is massive for the squad depth, as there are still five games to come in the month of September alone.

Rangers fans ecstatic with training image

These Rangers fans have taken to Twitter to react to the teasing image ahead of tonight’s game.

“What we have all been wanting to see!!!!!”

Credit: @alfie_west_55

“Announce contract renewal”

Credit: @cameron56689617

“Yaaaaaassssss”

Credit: @ScoobyRobb

“Superb”

Credit: @Kennywspark

“Hallelujah”

Credit: @Aldo7watp

“King”

Credit: @lnheritant

In other news, Noel Whelan rules out exit for Rangers midfielder. Find out more here.

Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, regarding his injury status heading into the international break.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent, Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has withdrawn from the England squad with a minor knock.

However, despite that blow, the reporter confirmed a big boost for Leeds in the process.

Hay claims that Phillips has a ‘good chance’ of being fit enough to face Southampton after the international break, with his injury not set to rule him out for a prolonged period of time.

Big boost

This news will leave fans feeling delighted as it is a big boost for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Losing Phillips for the clash against Southampton, and possibly beyond that, would have been a sizeable blow to the squad and would have left the Argentine coach needing to tinker with his XI to compensate for Phillips’ absence.

The defensive midfielder has been a crucial figure in the Leeds team under Bielsa, with 34 Premier League starts to his name since the beginning of last season. He averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.01 as he bossed the midfield in the top-flight, earning himself recognition for his country in doing so.

England manager Gareth Southgate admitted that he had faith that Phillips would be able to become an important member of his squad at international level. He said.

“He’s been excellent. The way he has taken to international football, it hasn’t surprised us because what we’d seen with Leeds, even in the Championship, we felt could convert into our team.

“We felt he could play an important role with us. To play in the enormity of the matches he did in the summer and play as well as he did is massive credit to him.”

This played out in the summer as the Leeds man played seven times in the European Championships as England lost the final on penalties to Italy.

Whilst this illustrates his quality and shows why his fitness will come as a big boost to Bielsa and leave fans delighted, there is also a lack of depth in his position. Phillips was absent on the opening day of the season against Manchester United and Robin Koch was forced to operate in the holding midfield role, with Leeds losing 5-1 at Old Trafford.

The Whites do not have a natural holding midfielder to cover for Phillips when he is not on the pitch and that is another reason why this injury only being a minor one will delight supporters.

This could also be an area for Victor Orta to look at in the January window as signing a back-up in his position could ease any fears over his availability in the future.

AND in other news, Leeds must sanction swoop for £8.5m gem with “crazy technique”, he’s Raphinha 2.0…

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on Torino striker Andrea Belotti in what could be a possible boost for West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move…

As reported, West Ham and new head of recruitment Rob Newman are eyeing a move for the Italy international in the Irons’ continued search for a back up striker.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-updates-2/” title=”West Ham updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

WestHamFans.org, as shown on NewsNow, believe that the club are lining up a ‘sensational’ swoop for the 27-year-old amid his contract dispute at Torino.

Now, taking to social media, Romano has shared the latest on Belotti in what could be a boost to West Ham’s chances.

The Latest: Romano makes claim…

Indeed, the Italian journalist says Torino’s captain has not yet accepted the last proposal to extend his current deal.

Belotti’s contract expires in 2022, meaning he could leave for free next summer, and Romano says the chances of him doing so are real.

“Andrea Belotti has chances to leave Torino as free agent next summer, as things stand now,” he explained on Twitter.

“He’s out of contract in June 2022 and he has not accepted yet last Torino proposal to extend current deal.”

The Verdict: Time to swoop?

If the Serie A forward continues to stall on fresh terms and opts to leave for free next summer, there is now question that West Ham should indeed take advantage.

Labelled as ‘unique’ by his former manager Davide Nicola, the 39-cap centre-forward has experience on the biggest stages in world football.

As well as this, Belotti is experienced in finding the back of the net, having racked up 99 goals and 26 assists in 250 Italian top flight appearances (Transfermarkt).

On a free deal, this is an absolute no brainer.

In other news: West Ham now plotting big money bid to sign 115-goal striker who Moyes personally wants, find out more here.