Former Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen has been speaking to Dutch media outlet Telegraaf about his time on Merseyside and the differences between that spell and the one with current club Werder Bremen, and the Dutchman has suggested that he felt underappreciated at Goodison Park.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Everton signed the now 25-year-old from Ajax in a £23.6m deal during the summer of 2017 when Ronald Koeman was in charge, and it seemed as though it was a genius move by the Toffees given he had scored 55 goals and provided a further 38 assists in 180 appearances for the Eredivisie giants.
However, he failed to make a similar impact for the Merseyside outfit and after making just 16 appearances in total, departed for the Bundesliga last summer.
Speaking to Telegraaf, via The Liverpool Echo, Klaassen said: “I am very happy here, I really enjoy it.
“Because I play everything, but also because I am appreciated. We have a great team and the Bundesliga is a fantastic competition.
“I have not regretted my move from Everton to Werder Bremen for a second.”
What do his comments suggest?
Basically that he wasn’t happy with the way he was treated with Everton, which is understandable.
While the Netherlands international may have visibly struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League at first – of course the pace of the game here can take some getting used to – rather than being given a chance he was usually cast aside by the likes of Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce before his exit.
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Klaassen’s comments suggests the support he has from Bremen was something he didn’t get at Goodison Park, and it is hard to disagree with him as he surely deserved more of a chance for a team that weren’t doing particularly well at the time.
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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after Wilfried Zaha was handed a one-game ban and fined £10,000 for improper conduct, after sarcastically applauding referee Andre Marriner in the 1-1 draw with Southampton according to the Eagles’ official Twitter account.
The Ivory Coast international accepted a charge for the offence for his actions, having been given his marching orders by Marriner at St Mary’s Stadium towards the end of January.
Interestingly, the suspension will not come into effect immediately as the 26-year-old considers his right of appeal.
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Zaha has decided to appeal, so he will be available for the fixture against West Ham at Selhurst Park in what should be an exciting London derby.
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However, given the fact that some fans of the south London-based club feel the initial dismissal by Marriner was unfair given the context of the situation, they have let their feelings about the decision be known on Twitter…
Liverpool had another wobble in the Premier League on Monday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham United.
The Reds have moved three points clear at the top of the table, but Manchester City will have the chance to reclaim first spot when they travel to Everton on Wednesday, given that they have a better goal difference than their title competitors.
There was another start for Joel Matip at the London Stadium, with fellow central defenders Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren both currently on the sidelines for the Merseyside club.
West Ham’s equaliser on Monday came from a quick free-kick and Matip was one of those at fault for Michail Antonio’s goal.
Matip – a 2016 arrival from Schalke 04 – has largely found it difficult to put together a consistent run of performances for Liverpool.
And the English outfit’s fans have blasted the 27-year-old’s display against the Hammers.
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A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Liverpool supporters can be seen below:
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Marina Granovskaia is Chelsea’s transfer chief, and she’s largely taken over the mantle from Michael Emenalo at Stamford Bridge. Typically, she’s involved in everything from contractual renewals to big money signings to handling incoming transfer offers.
She’s had a big role to play, then, in the future of Callum Hudson-Odoi. Indeed, according to the Telegraph, she has informed Bayern Munich that Chelsea’s talented teenager is not for sale – which is a huge decision. The Blues have, as a result, turned down millions of pounds in an effort to give a young player a chance.
Throughout her tenure, she’s made some huge decisions, like bringing in Maurizio Sarri and playing a part in the signing dozens of players, but it’s her decision on Hudson-Odoi that could end up being her crowning achievement at Stamford Bridge.
In the past, this isn’t a decision that Chelsea would have taken. The Blues have regularly been willing to cash in on young players in favour of bringing in more established names, and for a while, it looked like this would go down the same path.
However, Granovskaia has taken a different path, and if it works out, it could be huge for the club. If Hudson-Odoi is able to make an impact in the Chelsea first team, not only will her decision be vindicated, but it could also open the door for Chelsea’s other young players to force their way into the team. After all, if Hudson-Odoi is rated so highly and has proven his worth; why can’t they?
Of course, it could all go poorly. If he has a poor second-half of the season, Chelsea will live to regret not taking the money and running.
That’s a risk, though it had to be taken, and the results could be huge.
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Forget the sackings and the hirings. This is a decision that could have huge consequences for years to come – and it could be a defining 6 months for Granovskaia as a result.
According to the BBC, Arsenal are in talks to sign PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku in this January transfer window.
What’s the story?
As per the BBC, the Gunners want to bring the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium this month on loan, with an option to make the switch permanent at the end of the season.
However, PSG are said to wish to extend Nkunku’s contract prior to him leaving the Parc des Princes on a temporary agreement.
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A loan deal is probably the only option for the north London club, as Unai Emery has already admitted that Arsenal aren’t in a position to make any permanent signings in this window, as reported by Sky Sports.
The Gunners will hope to get this deal over the line soon, as time is running out for them to make the required additions to their squad this month.
A smart move all round
Emery is very familiar with Nkunku, having made the France under-21 international a regular feature of the PSG first team squad during his time in charge of the Parisian giants.
The versatile midfielder has enjoyed less game time so far this season though, with just 16 appearances in all competitions under his belt, according to Transfermarkt.
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Nkunku could expect more regular football with Arsenal, where his ability to operate both centrally and on the flanks could quickly make him a valuable asset in Emery’s squad, especially in light of the injury sustained by Danny Welbeck (The Independent) and Mesut Ozil’s continually marginalised role in the first-team.
For both Nkunku and Arsenal, this looks like a deal that makes a lot of sense.
Huddersfield Town announced the departure by mutual consent of manager David Wagner on Monday, and Middlesbrough fans were quick to react to the news on Twitter.
The 47-year-old was often lauded for the job he did with the Terriers having taken them to the Premier League despite ending the season with a goal difference of minus two.
He then kept them there despite not having the biggest of budgets, but after taking only one point from the last 27 available and being knocked out of the FA Cup by Bristol City, the German and the Yorkshire outfit have now gone their separate ways.
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Meanwhile, Boro are well in the Championship promotion picture under Tony Pulis, but the 60-year-old’s negative style of play at the Riverside Stadium has often been questioned even if it continues to yield positive results, and it is no surprise that the attention of many frustrated fans has been caught by Wagner’s departure.
Middlesbrough supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the former Town manager but the following were in agreement that they didn’t want him with one saying “he scores fewer goals and concedes way more than Pulis”, and another simply said “no thanks”.
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Spurs came one step closer to realising their dreams as they edged out Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash and, despite Harry Kane netting the only goal of the game, largely had goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga to thank for the win.
The former Southampton man pulled a couple crucial saves out of the bag and looked composed despite the weight of the tie – had Chelsea scored an away goal, the onus would be on Spurs to attack the game next time out, whereas now they have some breathing room and go into the second leg with an advantage.
Hugo Lloris has had little to no competition for the gloves in the last five or six years and has made 275 appearances for the Lilywhites but, as errors begin to creep into the World Cup winner’s game and Gazzaniga continues to deliver when called upon, he may be ousted from his starting spot and soon.
Spurs fans certainly feel that the Argentine can replace the club captain, as they reacted to his performance against the Blues on Twitter…
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According to a recent report from The Daily Mail, West Ham are one side interested in a move for Everton midfielder James McCarthy. The 28-year-old has been playing his football at the Premier League outfit since leaving Wigan Athletic back in 2013 to thus reunite with former manager Roberto Martinez, although a lack of regular game time under current boss Marco Silva this term has called his future at the club into question.
And reports suggest that Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers, as well as Claudio Ranieri’s Fulham and Darren Moore’s West Brom, are eyeing up a January move for the Republic of Ireland, yet his recurrent injury woes in years gone by should prompt the East London club to forget about him and instead target his Everton teammate Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Breakdown
Ultimately, 28-year-old McCarthy has spent much of the last 12 months out due to injury, with knee and hamstring injuries thwarting the first half of his 2017/18 season, only for a broken leg to end that campaign prematurely in January and indeed so far restrict his chance of appearing this time round as well.
As such, it means that the Irishman has managed just four Premier League appearances for Everton in the last 12 months to suggest that maybe he isn’t quite at the level needed to make an immediate impact at the London Stadium – after all, he would be being brought in to ease the workload as a result of an injury crisis, which demands that he can hit the ground running.
And that seems like too big a risk to take given it will likely take time for him to get up to speed, whereas teammate Schneiderlin is another who while is down the pecking order at Goodison Park does have much more football under his belt in recent times than McCarthy.
The France international started well upon arrival at Everton in January 2017 only for things to tail off during the 2017/18 season, ultimately culminating in the midfielder struggling for game time this time round under Silva with no Premier League start since September.
However, one mustn’t forget just how integral he was to Southampton during his time there between 2008 and 2015, with his efforts in the Premier League in his final three years at the club particularly impressive in underlining just how good a central midfielder he was – there’s no reason why he can’t get back to that level.
In fact, Schneiderlin was arguably one of the most impressive midfielders in the top-flight during his time at St Mary’s hence Manchester United paid big money to sign him in 2015 – yes, things haven’t quite been as good since then for the 29-year-old, but there is clearly a hugely accomplished midfielder in the Frenchman.
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Significantly, he’ll likely be able to hit the ground running a lot sooner and more effectively than teammate McCarthy were he to move to West Ham, which is why the Hammers must opt against the Irishman and instead target ex-Southampton star Schneiderlin this month.
West Ham and Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!
Just two days after the last gameweek, Premier League clubs were back in action as the festive fixtures continued.
Now officially in the second half of the season, the Premier League table is really taking shape and this weekend’s action was another indication of who will be involved in the defining moments in May.
Liverpool hosted Arsenal in Saturday’s top table clash, with Klopp’s men looking to extend their lead over their closest rivals Tottenham and Man City.
Whereas, Fulham, Huddersfield and Cardiff went into the weekend desperate to move away from the bottom three.
You know the results, but what about the moments you missed on another jam packed weekend of Premier League action.
City Without A Clean Sheet Again
They may have returned to winning ways after two successive losses, but Manchester City’s frailties in defence once again showed.
Pierre-Emile Hojberg’s goal first half goal means the champions are now ten games without a clean sheet.
Andros Townsend Photographer Collision
Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend is known for his pace and energetic playing style, but on Sunday it seems he ran out of pitch!
The midfielder crashed into a female photographer who was perched by the advertising hoardings, after the collision, Townsend checked that she was all ok before proceeding to chase down the ball.
Top class act.
Teenager Scores For Burnley
19-year-old Dwight McNeil became the first teenager to score a Premier League goal for Burnley as his side beat West Ham 2-0.
Sean Dyche handed the former Man United youngster a rare start and he duly delivered.
Joe Hart Dropped
McNeil wasn’t the only Burnley player given a rare start, Sean Dyche made five changes to the side that were thumped 5-1 by Everton on Boxing Day.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart was replaced by Tom Heaton in goal and after keeping a clean sheet (Burnley’s fourth of the season) it is likely the former England number one will find himself on the bench for the forseeable.
Morata Asleep
Alvaro Morata’s career at Chelsea is becoming laughable.
The Spaniard was left on the bench once again for Chelsea’s trip to Crystal Palace as Maurizio Sarri opted for Olivier Giroud.
On a cold day in south London, the striker was spotted almost asleep on the bench under his snood.
Ederson Taking Liberties
Considering he hasn’t kept a clean sheet in ten matches you would Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson would not take so many risks in his own penalty area.
But the Brazilian who has perfect the ‘no-look’ pass was at it again on Sunday, turning skilfully just three-yards out.
Spurs Title Challenge Lasted Three Days
After Man City lost to Leicester on boxing day, Tottenham’s 5-0 win against Bournemouth moved them up to second, with many tipping them for a serious title challenge.
But just three days later a sorry 3-1 loss to Wolves at Wembley seems to have killed all their momentum.
Kane Booked For Diving
It was supposed to be a celebratory day for Harry Kane who received news that he has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Years’ Honours list.
But the England captain was shamefully booked for diving in the second half at Wembley.
More Penalty Woes For Leicester
After one of the worst displays in their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester City, you would have thought penalty taking practice would have been high on the list.
But James Maddison showed that the Foxes haven’t been practicing as he missed a 75th minute spot kick.
Rashford Skill
Pogba isn’t the only one enjoying life post-Mourinho.
Marcus Rashford was in devilish form as he assisted the Frenchman for his first goal inside five minutes, dribbling past and making Nathan Ake and Diego Rico look rather foolish.
Another Penalty For Liverpool
You know what they say about buses, you wait ages for one and then suddenly two come along at once!
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On Boxing Day, Liverpool were awarded their first home penalty for 422 days, three days later Michael Oliver pointed to the spot twice against Arsenal!
Practice Makes Perfect
There is no doubt that Paul Pogba’s mood has changed since the departure of Jose Mourinho.
The Frenchman was spotted practicing his goal celebration during his warm-up on Sunday which paid off as he scored twice in United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
Fight Over Penalty At Fulham
Incredibly Fulham had a penalty taking issue also, however they had a ‘who is going to take it?’ domestic.
Aboubakar Kamara and Aleksandar Mitrovic made it very obvious they were disagreeing over who would take it.
Kamara took it and missed, Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri said:
“I wanted to kill him. That is normal when one man takes a ball, only because he scored the last penalty (against Manchester United). It should be Mitrovic, that is it.”
Mitrovic who is the team’s designated penalty taker later revealed:
“He’s a striker, he’s hungry for goals as well, maybe he wanted to score as well and he scored his last penalty,” the striker said.
“It’s normal. He’s young; these kind of things can happen. It’s normal.
“You need to take care of each other. We had a bit of an argument but in the end he took the ball and I wished him luck and told him to stay focused and score. That’s what he’d do as well.”
Celtic ensured they would top the Scottish Premiership table on Christmas Day with a routine 3-0 victory against Dundee.
Odsonne Edouard’s injury had left Brendan Rodgers without a senior forward following the departure of Moussa Dembele and the absence of Leigh Griffiths. However, it was youngster Mikey Johnston who was the hero yet again. After scoring his first senior goal in mid-week, the 19-year-old bagged a brace to ensure that Celtic were top of the standings heading into the Boxing Day fixtures.
While the 19-year-old’s form will be hugely encouraging for Rodgers, the Northern Irishman simply must target a new forward in the January transfer window. It remains to be seen whether Johnston can maintain his current levels throughout the season and another injury could be catastrophic. Bolstering his offensive options must be a priority.
One man who Rodgers could target is Brentford forward – Neil Maupay. Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old began his professional career but was sent on various loans around France. The forward was eventually sold to Brentford in the summer of 2017 where he hit the ground running and has earned a reputation as one of the best forwards in the Championship.
The Frenchman ended his debut season in England with a fantastic return of 12 goals as well as registering four assists for his team-mates. Eager to show he was not a one-season wonder, Maupay has reached even greater heights in the current campaign, scoring 14 league goals already as well as creating six. The youngster is finally starting to realise his potential and Celtic must be quick to lure him to Scotland before Premier League sides come calling.
Maupay would give Rodgers another quality option in attack to help secure another league title and progression in the Europa League.
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