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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

For the most part of his Crystal Palace career, Max Meyer has been deployed on the left flank by Roy Hodgson, a position that doesn’t suit his qualities to say the least – the former England boss has already played him on the left twice this season.

The Germany international lacks pace, strength and that burst to get away from full-backs on the wing, but his low centre of gravity and close control suggest he’d be better suited to playing in the middle.

Against League Two side Colchester in the Carabao Cup game on Tuesday, however, the former Schalke playmaker had a chance to prove himself in the middle against an opponent who he really should’ve been standing out against.

With all due respect to Colchester, who impressively won the tie on penalties after holding the Eagles to a 0-0 draw in normal time, a player of Meyer’s pedigree should be having an impact against a League Two side, but he disappointed again despite spending most of the game in the middle of the pitch.

Meyer’s heat-map from the game shows that the 23-year-old spent a lot of time in a centre-attacking midfield role, but his stats do not make for good reading.

You could somewhat excuse his lack of impact in the Premier League – he has just one goal and two assists in the league since signing – on the basis of his mishandling, the quality of the opposition and the fact that he is still adjusting to the pace of the division.

Against Colchester, though, Meyer’s numbers were poor: Zero shots, zero key passes, two offsides and one unsuccessful touch, as well as being dispossessed three times. This does not reflect well on the German.

He has few excuses for being so ineffective against a League Two side, at home, in a position he is well-suited to.

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Granit Xhaka has been somewhat of a scapegoat in recent times at Arsenal.

He has not had the best of starts to the new season at the Emirates Stadium, registering a WhoScored rating of just 6.65 across the first three matches during which he has played. He was particularly criticised by supporters for the penalty he gave away against Tottenham in the north London derby.

However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Twitter user Woz has revealed some of the Switzerland international’s stats since his arrival, and they make for good reading if you are a fan of the former Borussia Monchengladbach man.

How do football vloggers afford to watch their team week in, week out? Find out in the video below…

The 26-year-old is said to have won the most tackles and made the most passes in the final third of any Gunners player since the start of the 2016/17 campaign, whilst only Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have created more chances.

Despite this, though, it has done little to convince the Emirates faithful. They have been reacting to the tweet, and you can see some of the best comments below.

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Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has slammed Marcel Bielsa for over-relying on Kalvin Phillips, as told to Football Insider.

Phillips is one of four Whites players yet to miss a minute of Championship actions this season (WhoScored), with the defensive midfielder, along with Adam Forshaw, Ben White and goalkeeper Kiko Casilla currently Bielsa’s most heavily relied on options at Elland Road.

Leeds-born Phillips has even featured throughout both of his side’s Carabao Cup ties this term, with the 23-year-old one of only three players to remain in the starting line-up from the eleven who beat Stoke 3-0 in the league last Saturday.

Whelan now fears Bielsa’s handling of Phillips could risk the midfielder being sidelined or simply burning out, after his former side suffered numerous injuries last season.

“Yes, I think so,” Whelan told Football Insider when asked if Phillips was being overplayed. “The games are coming thick and fast and it’s a long season where you need your best players fit and firing throughout.

“Bielsa needs to show common sense and carefully man-manage the key players like Kalvin. I don’t think he should have played in the cup games, they were good opportunities to rest him and give someone else a chance.

“I hoped he wouldn’t play against Stoke the other night. I wanted us to win the match, but there is enough quality in the squad for Kalvin not to play every minute of every game.

“Given the amount of injuries we got last season, you can’t deny it’s a massive issue keeping everyone on the park.”

If Phillips is starting to burn out already, he is doing a good job of hiding it, as the Leeds product is currently averaging more tackles (5.8 to 4.1) and more successful tackles (3.8 to 2.8) per ninety minutes than he did throughout his 44 second-tier appearances including the Play-Offs last season, according to data collected by WhoScored.

The defensive midfielder is also averaging the same number of interceptions (1.4) and more blocks (1.6 to 1.4), as well as playing more passes (68.8 to 62.9) and is finding teammates more frequently (only mislaying 9.6 passes compared to 11.2) so far this term.

Bielsa not resting Phillips while he had the chance to in the Carabao Cup could come back to haunt the Argentine further down the line, though, as the Whites now only have league games to play until entering the FA Cup in the Third Round come the turn of the year.

Should Bielsa have rested Phillips in the Carabao Cup? Join the discussion by commenting below…

[ad_pod ]Roy Keane is at it again.We’re not entirely sure why the former Republic of Ireland international seems to hate everything with a pulse but he does. Put a foot wrong around the man and he’ll never let it go; have the last name ‘Ferguson’, and he’ll chase you down for the rest of your life.Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, for all the Keane fans out there, it’s your lucky day – he’s let loose again, on another matter of fact tirade about his former gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson (while we don’t agree with the disrespect he shows, he certainly makes some valid points).

Ah, Keane, you’re beginning to remind us of the angry old man who used to stick a nail in our football when it went over his fence.

Ferguson is football’s equivalent of a listed building. So, naturally, people have jumped to his defence – including talkSPORT hosts Darren Gough and Andy Goldstein…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Leeds’ first defeat of the season against Swansea on Saturday brought about as many positives as it did negatives.

The fact Leeds managed to retain possession for such large spells of the game should come as a form of encouragement, as should the performance of Stuart Dallas.

Creating 21 opportunities was also a plus point but one of the negatives has given Marcelo Bielsa plenty to think about over the international break.

In fact, it’s provided the Argentine with one of the biggest dilemmas he’s faced in 2019/20 so far.

On the chalkboard

Try as they might, Leeds struggled to find a goal against the Swans last weekend, something that considering Bielsa plays with four behind his main striker was rather bizarre.

Jack Harrison was isolated out on the left-hand side, an aspect of the game that was down to Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich occupying the same space over on the right.

The 22-year-old struggled for any rhythm and consistency but his overall performances this term, despite showing flashes, must have his manager pondering his role.

His outing at Elland Road against Steve Cooper’s men had fans slating him and after achieving a match rating of 5.97 on WhoScored it’s easy to see why.

He completed just 76% of his passes as he was dispossessed four times. Harrison also had five unsuccessful touches in a torrid afternoon for the loanee.

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Against Stoke he mustered six dribbles but this time he only managed one. Consequently, it could be the moment to finally call on Helder Costa.

It’s surely only a matter of time before the Portuguese gets his first league start and it may well come after the international break if Bielsa wants to find an answer to one of the problems last Saturday.

The fact is that despite proving a threat with his dribbling, Harrison isn’t being successful with his end product.

So far this term he’s only managed one goal whilst after six matches he’s failed to register an assist.

The 5 foot 9 wide man is a canny operator but unless his numbers improve, he could be ousted for Costa.

Bielsa hasn’t favoured much change in the Championship but he must have a long think over the next two weeks.

Given Costa’s 15 goals and 14 assists at this level, he could prove inspiring.

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Marcelo Bielsa hasn’t had many problems handing minutes to the younger members of Leeds’ squad.

This season has already seen Leif Davis feature at centre-back whilst there’s also been a spot in the team for Jamie Shackleton and Alfie McCalmont.

The latter was handed a senior debut against Salford in the League Cup before also starting against Stoke in the next round.

Although taken off at the break, Bielsa’s faith in starting him in the first place was admirable.

However, it’s rather baffling that he’s played more often than Mateusz Bogusz.

The 18-year-old arrived in January and it took until the clash against Stoke for him to earn his competitive bow.

Given his impressive showings for the U23s, coming close to scoring last weekend, it was a surprise that he wasn’t the first member of the academy to be called upon.

Bogusz is an intriguing talent, turning down Brighton to sign for the Whites in January.

Despite being so young, he’d already gained exposure of senior football in Poland for Ruch Chorzow. A lack of regular action was understandable last term because the Whites were engulfed in a promotion fight but this season it makes far less sense.

As of January last term, Bielsa had handed ten debuts to players 21 and under. Therefore, it’s hard to suggest he doesn’t give you a chance when you’re good enough.

Bogusz appeared regularly in pre-season, scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers with a sweeping finish from just inside the area.

It was a piece of play that typified what he brings, a threat from the edge of the box.

Against Bristol City U23s last Sunday, the teenager hit the woodwork twice and was desperately unlucky not to score.

The threat to the opposition goal he poses, contributing to four strikes in four games at one point for the academy last term, should be what makes him a valuable option to Bielsa.

Against Swansea, Leeds had over 60% of the possession but couldn’t score. Their midfield looked flatter than usual and judging by the fact Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich were operating in the same space, it’s hardly surprising. Perhaps a more dynamic Bogusz was required?

This is a player who Klich himself has said will probably be better than him, suggesting he couldn’t offer his understudy much advice.

Earlier this term, Bielsa admitted that he was ready for first-team football, hinting that he would feature when Leeds travelled to Salford.

However, he didn’t play. He didn’t even come off the bench despite the game being wrapped up.

And indeed he is yet to appear in the league either, something that’s particularly puzzling.

Of course there is still a long way in the season to go but he was one of the few young players who stood out against Stoke in the League Cup.

Against senior opposition, he had four shots according to Wyscout, as he regularly managed to work the opening for himself. This is something that may have proved valuable in Leeds’ clash with Swansea when, try as they might, they simply couldn’t find the net.

He didn’t manage any key passes on that occasion but his mere presence in attack was on display.

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Bogusz was assured in possession, completing 88% of his passes whilst winning 54% of his duels too, per Wyscout.

Considering the lack of threat Forshaw brings going forward, perhaps utilising the youngster would have found a solution.

It’s not a stretch to suggest that the Pole is one of the brightest players currently rising through the ranks at Thorp Arch, so Bielsa’s stance must change.

Losing Jack Clarke to Tottenham was a blow, even if he has only played twice this season, but a young player like Bogusz can help them forget about a former prodigy parting ways.

Tyler Roberts’ return means he could be restricted to senior action even more but he should be someone that can provide competition and a plan B.

Simply put, Bielsa must start using him more.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Florentino Perez seems to think he knows exactly what the problem of the current Real Madrid squad is, and he outlined it perfectly in his latest interview with Marca.

What did he say?

A team that was once on top of the world have been a shadow of their former selves since the beginning of the 2018/19 season. The end of the previous campaign was probably the moment that sounded all the remaining alarm bells in the Spanish capital.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Los Blancos failed to secure any trophies of real value as they ended the year with only the Club World Cup crown to their name. Even the return of Zinedine Zidane hasn’t changed so much, at least for now, as the team went through a disastrous pre-season and have had a mixed start to the 2019/20 La Liga season with one win and two draws.

Perez, however, seems to think there’s one clear issue plaguing this team and he told it to Marca in his latest interview:

“Our success made us lose our intensity.

“We have to recover it. These players and this coach made us champions, so they’ll do it again.

“Last season wasn’t good and we have to reflect on the criticism.”

The core of the problem

Whether Real Madrid want to admit it or not, Perez certainly hit the nail squarely on the head with that statement. The media were quick to bash Real for a poor transfer window but they were right for all the wrong reasons.

Sure, Real could’ve used more players who could directly improve the starting lineup but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s pretty difficult to acquire such players at anything below a premium price.

The likes of Sergio Ramos, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos didn’t just lose their abilities and skills overnight. Of course, as they get older, they will inevitably fall out of favour but the lack of hunger might very well be at the core of their problems.

After all, there’s hardly anything left for this team to win after clinching three Champions League crowns in a row under Zidane and adding one La Liga title to the pile in the process. And now he is expecting those same players to retain that extraordinary level once again with the same eagerness.

New players are needed but they also need youth to restore that hunger once again. The experience, skill and leadership are all there but they need to remember that there’s still so much to fight for.

How exactly Perez is planning to solve this conundrum remains to be seen. But identifying the problem is definitely a wise first step.

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يرغب نادي تشيلسي، في تجديد عقد أحد نجومه، خلال الفترة القادمة، وذلك بعد تألقه مؤخرًا مع البلوز في مسابقة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

الدولي الألماني أنطونيو روديجر، مدافع تشيلسي، بات مؤخرًا، مُنذ تعيين توماس توخيل مديرًا فنيًا للبلوز، أحد الركائز الأساسية داخل “ستامفورد بريدج”.

وبحسب صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية، فإن إدارة تشيلسي تسعى لمكافأة روديجر بعد أدائه الرائع، بتجديد عقد صاحب الـ28 عاما.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بعد ارتباطه بـ ليفربول.. تشيلسي يحسم موقف بوليسيتش من الرحيل

روديجر في المباريات التسع الماضية مع تشيلسي في البريميرليج، لعب كأساسي وساهم في خروج فريقه بشباكٍ نظيفة في سبع مُباريات.

وقالت الصحيفة إنّ إدارة تشيلسي حريصة على بدء المفاوضات مع روديجر قبل بداية بطولة أمم أوروبا في الصيف القادم.

وأوضحت الصحيفة أنّه على الرغم من أنّ عقد روديجر ينتهي مع تشيلسي في 30 يونيو 2022، لكن إدارة تشيلسي حريصة على تجديد تعاقده لإغلاق الباب أمام الأندية الراغبة في التعاقد معه.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

There’s a number of things that Sheffield Wednesday will have to be patient with as Garry Monk looks to find his best XI at the earliest opportunity.

It won’t be aided by the fact that captain Tom Lees faces time on the sideline through injury. However, we got a glimpse of how the 40-year-old plans to set up his side last weekend as he got off to winning ways with a 2-0 win at local rivals Huddersfield Town.

Monk’s adaptability to working with the cards he’s been dealt with was probably one key factor in his appointment, and he will have to prove that as the season rumbles on.

One big dilemma he faces is where he should play Adam Reach – he’s a winger that can also play the number ten role as well as left-back.

On the Chalkboard

The 26-year-old started his first game under Monk playing behind the striker in attacking midfield and he put in his best performance of the season, scoring a rating of 7.35 and having four attempts at goal, per WhoScored.

Though, the new Owls boss revealed after the game that Reach will “primarily be a wide player” because that is where he is “most effective.”

But that doesn’t appear to be the case meaning he should probably remain central if Monk wants to get the best out of him.

In the last three seasons he has only averaged one cross or less per game as a Wednesday player in the Championship – that’s one key attribute you want your winger to have, and it appears that Reach falls short.

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His best year for assists was in 2017/18, recording 11 in 46 appearances where he also averaged 2.3 long balls per game as well as 1.6 key passes.

These are the sort of figures you would associate with a number ten playmaker rather than a winger.

His best performance in this current campaign came in a central role, so why change it? Monk would be rather foolish if he didn’t retract his comments.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

There can’t be many Leeds players that divide opinion as much as striker Patrick Bamford does.

After failing to score against Barnsley, Leeds fans backed him and hailed his work rate. Yet, after drawing with Derby, comments made about the 26-year-old weren’t in his favour.

In fact, they were incredibly damning in light of a drawn game that Leeds should have won.

They had 13 chances to Derby’s five, had over 60% of the possession and also missed a penalty, via WhoScored.

But it was the performance in front of goal from Bamford that also had a large say in how the game went.

On the chalkboard

There has been rife debate surrounding Eddie Nketiah this season. Leeds fans want him to start and Marcelo Bielsa has teased the possibility of him playing alongside Bamford in attack.

The Arsenal loanee has started life in west Yorkshire in superb fashion. He’s scored as many goals as Bamford, despite only starting two times in the Carabao Cup.

He is yet to play from the off in the Championship but has thrived when being brought on from the bench, scoring two late goals against Brentford and Barnsley.

The 20-year-old has more than hit the ground running but given Bamford’s latest performances, he must be walking an extremely thin tight rope right now.

The latter worked hard to fashion chances for himself last weekend but he could have won the game for Leeds on Saturday.

There were a host of moments that proved telling, not least Mateusz Klich’s missed penalty, but Bamford hit the post and spurned four further opportunities.

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It’s something that tells the story of the 26-year-old’s campaign. He has scored four times but is now goalless in his last three matches.

Based on his abject display against the Rams, he must now be looking over his shoulder more than ever.

The 6 foot 1 striker has had four shots per game in 2019/20, the highest number of anyone in the Championship. Based on that, you’d expect him to have scored more goals but he’s missed the target entirely 17 times – also a league-high.

If Leeds are going to get promoted they’ll have to start taking their chances on a more regular basis. That begins with their number nine who is beginning to struggle quite significantly.

Perhaps it’s finally time to start Nketiah.