In his exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer has criticised Manchester United defender Luke Shaw for his decision-making during the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side laboured to a 1-0 victory over Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday night, although there were a few positives as Alex Telles shone in Shaw’s absence.

Shaw is something of a divisive figure amongst United supporters, as he was slammed by some fans for his poor performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.

He was subject to constant stinging criticism from Jose Mourinho during his ill-fated time at Old Trafford.

And Palmer was left unimpressed with Shaw’s display as he looked out of sorts on the left-hand side of the defence in the middle of last week.

He told FFC:

“I’ve constantly had a beef with Luke Shaw because he never looks fit to me and he always looks like he’s carrying weight.

“If you look at him as a defender, some of the decisions he makes – he’ll cut across somebody and block somebody, rather than challenge them.

“I can point out numerous times he’s done that in games. He’s a talented boy but I can see why managers like Mourinho would criticise him.”

Telles has shaken off a slow start for Solskjaer’s side with two goal contributions in seven appearances across all competitions.

Shaw’s time at Old Trafford has been a little more questionable, although he has shown signs of improvement this season. He was caught napping by Raheem Sterling and John Stones and failed to register a single tackle in the entire game.

With Brandon Williams itching to leave on loan, it remains to be seen who will stake their claim in the coming weeks and months.

AND in other news, Manchester United’s Alex Telles stole the show in FA Cup victory over Watford…

MatériaMais Notícias

Na vitória ou na derrota, o técnico Tite recorre a uma de suas teorias para analisar as partidas: as individualidades só aparecem quando o coletivo está organizado, diz ele.

De fato, no futebol praticado atualmente não é possível apostar apenas no brilho de um ou outro jogador. Contudo, há momentos em que é preciso decidir, chamar o jogo, reluzir mais que os outros 21 atletas em campo. Hoje, mais do que um modelo de jogo e uma formação ideal, o Corinthians carece de protagonistas. Não precisa nem deve haver um só. Em 2015 eram muitos: Jadson, Renato, Elias, Love e até Lucca. Agora, há muitos com potencial, mas ainda tímidos, presos, temerosos…

O duríssimo duelo contra o Santa Fe só foi vencido graças à organização da equipe de Tite, mas poderia ter sido muito mais tranquilo se as individualidades estivessem mais à vontade para aparecerem. Isso tem a ver com confiança, ritmo de jogo e entrosamento, fatores que ajudam a entender o gol perdido cara a cara por Giovanni Augusto, a bola cruzada um pouco acima da cabeça de André e os 40 passes errados do Timão no primeiro tempo.

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O “todo”, porém, funcionava. Jogadores próximos uns aos outros, linha de impedimento sempre eficiente, compactação para marcar, velocidade para atacar…

Contudo, ainda era insuficiente, faltava um protagonista.Giovanni Augusto brigou, Fagner atacou, Rodriguinho se movimentou… A individualidade (de Guilherme) decidiu, mas só apareceu graças ao coletivo. Foi pouco, mas suficiente para vencer. Ainda é preciso mais. A solução? Tempo. Para Tite treinar e a equipe maturar.

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, Dean Windass has delivered his verdict on rumoured Aston Villa transfer target Josh King.

Reports over the summer suggested that the Norway international was an option for Dean Smith’s side, but the club eventually brought in Ollie Watkins from Brentford in a big-money deal.

However, that hasn’t stopped Villa from seemingly eyeing a fresh attempt at signing King, with The Athletic claiming recently that the Bournemouth ace could well be considered again.

Now, Windass has given his thoughts on the club potentially landing King, either in the January transfer window or future windows, telling FootballFanCast:

“I don’t think he’d fit Villa, you know? I just don’t think he’d fit.”

Whilst the 28-year-old may not be an out-and-out centre-forward, what with his ability to play off another striker or even out wide, this is still a player who Manchester United were keen on signing less than 12 months ago.

Described as a “complete package” by former Cherries boss Eddie Howe, the £45k-a-week earning forward could give Villa some much-needed strength in depth up front and also them offer an extra option out wide were they to suffer any injuries.

With Keinan Davis’ future at the club uncertain, and Wesley only just working his way back to full fitness, there’s no questioning that Smith could do with some extra firepower to help share the burden with summer signing Watkins.

And despite King’s indifferent start to the season – he’s scored no goals although his campaign has been hampered by injury – Villa should, in our opinion, be looking to bring in the Premier League-tested Norwegian in, but Windass seemingly disagrees.

يترقب عشاق الساحرة المستديرة في مصر وتونس والوطن العربي بشكل عام، المواجهة التي ستجمع بين الفراعنة ونسور قرطاج، في دور نصف نهائي بطولة كأس العرب، قطر 2021.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة مصر وتونس يوم الأربعاء المُقبل، في تمام الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب 974 بالعاصمة القطرية، الدوحة.

وكان منتخب مصر قد تأهل إلى الدور نصف النهائي بعد تخطيه عقبة الأردن، بثلاثية مقابل هدف، فيما وصل نسور قرطاج إلى الدور ذاته بعد تغلبه على عمان بهدفين مقابل هدف.

طالع أيضًا.. تاريخ المواجهات.. تونس تتفوق وكأس العرب فأل خير على مصر

رصدت صحيفة “المغرب التونسية” تقييم لاعبي منتخب تونس خلال مباراة عمان الماضية، لتبرز نقاط قوة وضعف فريقهم الوطني قبل مواجهة مصر.

وأكدت الصحيفة أن فرجاني ساسي لاعب الوسط يقبع بالمركز الأخير من حيث التقييم منذ بداية البطولة، مُشددة على أن هذا الأمر قد يتسبب له في مشاكل خلال الفترة القادمة وقد يجعله خارج حسابات الجهاز الفني في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا التي لا يفصلنا عنها الكثير.

وأوضحت الصحيفة الدور الكبير الذي يقوم به بعض اللاعبين على غرار حنبعل ودراغر والقيدوم ويوسف المساكني والظهير الأيسر محمد علي بن حميدة الذي اعتبرته الجماهير والنقاد أحد أبرز مفاجآت البطولة، ويلعب بدلاً من علي معلول المصاب.

طالع | الأهلي يشكر اتحاد الكرة لحل أزمة تعارض مونديال الأندية مع أمم إفريقيا

وأشارت إلى أن بن حميدة الذي كان في الماضي القريب لاعبًا احتياطيًا في تشكيلة الترجي وبعيدًا كل البعد عن أنظار المدير الفني لـ منتخب تونس، استطاع تطوير أدائه ليكون أحد الركائز الدفاعية بل وفي محل متابعة من العديد من الفرق.

وشددت على أن هناك كشافين من أندية خليجية كبيرة في قطر لمتابعة عدد من الأسماء بما فيها المتواجدة حاليًا على ذمة المنتخب التونسي وأبرزها سيف الجزيري وبن رمضان وبن حميدة وعيفة.

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jordan Pickford will return in goal for Everton when Manchester City visit Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

The England number one has missed his side’s last three Premier League fixtures plus the Blues’ FA Cup fifth-round win over Tottenham Hotspur due to an abdominal injury, which he sustained during last months’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

AS Roma loanee Robin Olsen had opened all fixtures that Pickford sat out but will now return to the bench and could be joined by a handful of the XI which were beaten by Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened Fulham last time out.

So, as Ancelotti strives to end a four-game winless league run at Goodison Park, here is a potential line-up the Italian could field against Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing Sky Blues…

Everton were dealt a blow ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Manchester City after Ancelotti ruled top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin out with a hamstring injury, that he hopes the striker will recover from in time to face Liverpool at the weekend.

But the Toffees boss had brighter news to share on the fitness of Pickford plus midfielder Allan when speaking to the media on Tuesday: “For Dominic, I think it is a matter of days [before he is fit again]. We hope he will be available on Saturday.

“The others are all okay. Pickford trained yesterday [Monday], and he was okay. We will check again today, and if he is available, he is going to play.

“Allan is in contention. He is fit. He is good.”

Allan has missed the last two months of action with a hamstring injury sustained at Leicester City on December 16 but, after a few setbacks in recent weeks, is finally able to make his 13th Premier League appearance following a £21m summer switch from SSC Napoli.

The Brazilian will be expected to waltz back into Ancelotti’s engine room against Manchester City, likely at the expense of Andre Gomes after the Portuguese midfielder was off-tune in Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Fulham while Tom Davies brought the most promise and energy to the role.

Ancelotti also faces a huge selection dilemma over his creative midfielder between Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez after neither were at their best against Fulham, and could ere on the side of the Colombian rather than the £100k-per-week Icelandic maestro after he scored in Everton’s 3-3 draw with Manchester United.

Moving Rodriguez back into midfield will also create an opening in attack for Joshua King to earn his first start in royal blue with Calvert-Lewin sidelined, having made each of his three Everton appearances to date from the bench.

Ancelotti has already confirmed that Pickford will return to his role between the sticks on Wednesday night but has decisions to make over Everton’s back four.

Lucas Digne is the only member of the unit that lost to Fulham that will be expected to have guaranteed continued presence.

Centre-half duo Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey both failed to leave much on the pitch to admire, with Holgate producing a sloppy performance and at fault for Josh Maja’s first goal while Godfrey likewise lacked the sharpness to stop the Cottagers doubling their lead.

Either could now move back out to right-back to afford Michael Keane and Yerry Mina a recall, though Godfrey will be the one expected to take over from the £70k-per-week Seamus Coleman after being favoured in the role against Tottenham in the FA Cup last week in the fifth and final change from the weekend’s defeat.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is willing Everton to pay £26.5m for a £176k-p/w gem…

Southampton face a tough away trip in the Premier League on Saturday evening as they face high-flying Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes currently sit fourth in the t0p-flight, with the Saints in seventh, but three points against Brendan Rodgers’s side could see the South Coast club move above them in the Premier League table.

Whilst Jamie Vardy will be an obvious threat for the Foxes, Hasenhuttl must ensure that his side are wary of Leicester midfielder James Maddison, whose excellent form so far this season marks him out as a danger man in Rodgers’ side.

In 15 top-flight appearances, the former Norwich City man has contributed four goals and two assists, which has seen him average a strong 7.02 rating.

This puts him well on track to surpass his tally from last season when he managed just six goals and three assists in the Premier League across 31 appearances.

Maddison averages 1.9 shots per game in the top-flight this season, which is only slightly less than the 2.4 averaged by Vardy.

The attacking-midfielder has also averaged 1.9 key passes per game so far this campaign, which is more than any Southampton player, with James Ward-Prowse leading the way in Hasenhuttl’s side with 1.6 key passes per game.

A prime example of the threat that Maddison can pose was in Leicester’s 2-1 win against Sheffield United earlier in the season when in added time at the end of the match, the England international robbed John Fleck of possession and played an inch-perfect through ball to Vardy, who scored the winner.

If the Saints are missing Oriol Romeu again on Saturday, then the job of marking Maddison will surely fall on the shoulders of Ibrahima Diallo. Whilst he impressed against Fulham and Liverpool, he will have to be at his best to keep the 24-year-old, who earns £110k per week, quiet at the King Power.

Whereas Southampton’s defence could keep Vardy quiet by sitting deep to prevent counter-attacks and balls over the top, this could leave them vulnerable to Maddison’s long-range shooting, with the midfielder having scored eight goals from outside of the box between the beginning of 2018/19 and January 2020, which was more than any other player.

He also earned the praise of manager Brendan Rodgers last season, with the former Liverpool boss saying:

“If you look at his numbers this season, in terms of the goals he has scored and created, he has shown he is a big-game player.”

He has certainly continued that theme this season, with a superb strike against Manchester City earlier in the season perhaps the pick of the bunch, so Southampton must be wary of the threat he poses on Saturday.

And, in other news, Southampton handed huge blow with “outstanding” gem ruled out of Leicester clash…

Steven Bergwijn has been quite the enigma at Tottenham Hotspur since his arrival nearly a year ago.

The 23-year-old arrived from PSV Eindhoven last January for around €30m (£26.5m) as one of Jose Mourinho’s first signings at the club. He has since seen his value rocket to a whopping €70m (£62m) as per the CIES Football Observatory.

But why?

Supporters on social media have gotten on his back at times, and on the face of it, it appears quite reasonable as he’s not scored since a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which was Spurs’ first game back after the temporary break in June.

The general consensus

The north Londoners romped to a 3-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, a victory which moved them to third place in the Premier League.

Bergwijn was one of the few disappointments as he missed a sitter at 1-0. He also successfully pulled off just one of his three dribble attempts, fired three shots without scoring, won just 25% of his duels, and was dribbled past twice, via SofaScore.

It led to the following reactions on Twitter…

Unjust?

Indeed, the Dutch international has struggled in terms of goal contributions having provided only four assists in 19 appearances this term, but many in N17 need to realise the greater impact he is having under Mourinho.

In some ways, he has become his sacrificial lamb on that right-flank.

Per FBref, only three other players are pressing more than Bergwijn in the final third of the pitch and those three are managing more minutes, so it’s not completely reflective of his true potential.

This much is backed up by his heat map for the season, via SofaScore:

Clearly, he is involved way more than what is perceived – the map above shows he is contributing defensively just as much as he is up the field.

Without his presence against Leicester, Mourinho’s side were utterly dominated as the Foxes ran away with a 2-0 victory, so it can’t be a coincidence that Spurs pick up their first win in five games with Bergwijn back in the starting XI.

There’s a reason why journalists (The Extra Inch via This is Futbol) have lauded him a “really special” talent and “more effective than [Lucas] Moura” in the past.

Get off his back, Spurs fans.

AND in other news, Pathetic Spurs star who lost possession 19 TIMES badly betrayed Mourinho…

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed fine partnerships over the years, the latest being Harry Kane and Heung-min Son’s telepathic double-act that has seen them consistently deliver goals.

Indeed, they are on the verge of breaking Premier League records this campaign.

Belgian twosome Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were the defensive wall for Mauricio Pochettino for many seasons, whilst there has to be an honourable mention for Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele.

And who could forget the ‘David and Goliath’ pairing of Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe?

Now the door has opened for Daniel Levy to seal the next deadly duo in north London.

According to L’Equipe, Spurs have made contact with veteran winger Angel Di Maria over a potential free transfer in the summer as he remains out of contract in the French capital at the end of the current season.

Whilst Paris Saint-Germain, managed by former favourite Mauricio Pochettino, is hopeful of keeping hold of the 32-year-old, Jose Mourinho is keen to bring his old Real Madrid man to N17.

And Levy ought to do what he can to convince the £220k-per-week Argentina international to join.

He’s formed an exciting partnership with Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso for both club and country over the years. By bringing Di Maria to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Levy could create the second coming of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.

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When Keith Burkinshaw secured the two World Cup winners in 1978, it transformed the fortunes of Spurs and sent a stark warning across Europe.

The north London outfit had only just been promoted to the First Division, so the £750k swoop for the Argentinian pair was quite the outstanding coup.

They both struggled to hit the ground running, but soon their influence helped Spurs to two FA Cup final wins.

Levy’s team haven’t secured a piece of silverware since 2008, and the wait goes on, so bringing someone in of Di Maria’s calibre would certainly bolster their prospects of breaking that duck.

He has won La Liga and Ligue 1, and the Champions League too, whilst he was part of the Argentina squad to finish runner-up at the 2014 World Cup.

Di Maria can be Villa, whilst Spurs already have Ardiles 2.0 in Lo Celso.

When playing together, the duo have an impressive 76.5% win-rate and combined, they have delivered a total of 21 goals and 23 assists, per Transfermarkt.

Dubbed “exceptional” by new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and “extraordinary” by PSG enforcer Marco Verratti, Di Maria would be an incredible free transfer signing irrespective of his poor stint at Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The £25.2m-rated winger could help Lo Celso thrive with the £55m arrival only delivering seven goals and four assists in the 18 months he’s been at the club.

Perhaps the influence of his international and former PSG teammate can be the spark he needs, and in turn, it may well give Spurs another famous duo – one that is certainly shades of Ardiles and Villa mark two.

AND in other news, Mourinho could give Spurs new threat with £36m “exceptional talent” who idolises Ozil…

The January transfer window proved to be a busy one for Glasgow Rangers as no fewer than three players signed with the Ibrox club.

Most of those arrived towards the end of the window, with Scott Wright, Jack Simpson and Nnamdi Ofoborh all arriving via Bosman moves.

While the first two have already teamed up with Steven Gerrard’s squad, Ofoborh has headed straight back out on loan with Wycombe Wanderers.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has signed a four-year deal with the 54-time Scottish champions, will spend the rest of the season at the Adams Park Stadium with Gareth Ainsworth’s side.

Whilst there is plenty of information about Wright and Simpson, with the former having previously played for Premiership rivals Aberdeen, admittedly very little is known about Ofoborh, who spent the majority of last season on loan with the Chairboys.

The former Nigeria U20 international was highly regarded at the Vitality Stadium, with Bournemouth Echo sports reporter Tom Crocker revealing former boss Eddie Howe held him in high esteem. He said: “Nnamdi certainly seems to be a lively character, who is always smiling. Eddie Howe always praised how hard-working he was, explaining how he’s always last off the training pitch every day and how popular he was with the first team group.”

Gerrard has previously placed a great emphasis on the importance of working hard on the training pitch, suggesting that Ofoborh should feel right at home at Ibrox.

In terms of his playing style, there are obvious comparisons that can be drawn with the ever-reliable Steven Davis. Despite the difference in age, both play in similar positions, with Ofoborh currently averaging one tackle, one dribble and two interceptions per 90 in the Championship.

For context, that’s more interceptions than Davis himself has managed on average per game in the Scottish Premiership this season (1.3), which implies that he could be his heir-in-waiting.

His versatility will also be a big bonus for the Ibrox boss after impressing in a more defensive role in the centre of the defence. He’s capable of playing that role in a back four and has shown that he is willing to put in a defensive shift to frustrate opponents, as evidenced by his 1.1 tackles per game during the 2019/20 season.

With Rangers facing a potential shortage of defensive options in the near future, there’s no doubting the fact that this could make a massive difference next season.

AND in other news, Glen Kamara has become virtually undroppable for Glasgow Rangers…

For Wolves, adding further numbers to their squad over the winter window was absolutely imperative.

The Old Gold had lost Raul Jimenez for a prolonged period of time because of a fractured skull and since that issue, they have won only three of their last 11 outings.

It has been a torrid time for Nuno Santo who has witnessed his side more or less fall apart over the last month or so.

The club’s woeful performances were highlighted in the FA Cup when they could only surpass non-league Chorley 1-0.

Thus, Wolves could do with a few more additions before the transfer market closes. They have, of course, welcomed Willian Jose on loan but we’re tipping two more incomings.

Here is the XI that could line-up for Wolves once the deadline closes.

You will notice two new faces in the side, one of which is Douglas Costa. Rumours surfaced over the last week linking the Brazilian with a loan switch to Molineux.

Juventus have grown tired of his lack of game time during his temporary stint at Bayern Munich, and thus, the Premier League has emerged as a potential destination for the second half of the campaign.

If he does come to Wolves, he may take the place of Adama Traore on the right-wing. After all, we’ve already discussed the vast similarities between the duo on FFC.

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Another change is in midfield where Christian Eriksen starts. Tim Spiers claimed a deal for the Dane was a non-starter this month but fresh reports from Italy revealed that talks have been held with his entourage.

Eriksen is a proven Premier League creator and in over 300 appearances for Tottenham, registered 69 goals and 89 assists. Thus, he would simply have to play behind Willian Jose if he comes to the Midlands.

Behind that, we’re not expecting any incomings. Although, we do think Wolves could persevere with four at the back with potentially up to three attacking additions in January.

AND in other news, Shi must seal Wolves swoop for “outstanding” 6-goal gem, he’s shades of Bakary Sako…