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The majority of Swansea fans that voted in our poll want manager Graham Potter to make a move for free-agent and former Stoke City man Philipp Wollscheid to bolster his defensive options and provide some experience at the back.
Swansea were relegated from the Premier League last season and subsequently sold four senior centre-backs in Alfie Mawson, Federico Fernandez, Kyle Bartley and Jordi Amat.
Mike van der Hoorn and 20-year-old Joe Rodon have been Potter’s first choice centre-backs so far this season, although Tottenham loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers made his first start in the 1-0 loss to Stoke, with the inexperienced pairing of 19-year-old Brandon Cooper and 21-year-old Cian Harries offering cover for the main men.
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Wollscheid is available on a free transfer though after leaving French side Metz in January this year, and the 29-year-old has kept himself fit by playing futsal ever since.
The 6ft 4in centre-back was at Stoke between 2015 and 2017 and made 56 appearances for the club in the Premier League. He also has two caps for the German national side, meaning he has the experience that Potter is currently crying out for at the back. Check out the full results of our poll below.
Leeds fans are absolutely delighted for Paudie O’Connor, after the youngster made an impressive debut in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
Leeds fans were impressed by young debutant Tom Pearce when the 19 year-old made his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, and now Paudie O’Connor has added himself to the list of exciting youngsters coming out of the Leeds youth setup.
With no relegation threat to worry about and no realistic chance of making the playoffs, Leeds fans have been hoping to see more of the young talent on offer at the club, and O’Connor showed exactly why on Saturday.
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The 20 year-old Irishman was calm and composed despite the sometimes calamitous state of the back four as a whole, and fans are extremely impressed by the young star.
O’Connor signed for the club in 2017, and has been fantastic for the Under-23 side this season. Jack Clarke and Sam Dalby have also been in superb form for the U23s, so fans may be hoping to see those two added to the list of Paul Heckingbottom debutants.
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Heckingbottom has had a pretty miserable start to his time as Leeds manager, but he certainly can’t be accused of not giving youth a chance.
Some of the best Twitter reactions to O’Connor’s debut can be found below…
Aston Villa’s bid for Premier League promotion is taking shape as they currently sit fifth in the Championship table.
Steve Bruce’s side climbed up to that spot on Wednesday night when they sealed a 2-0 win over Preston on away soil.
James Chester opened the scoring in the 12th minute, while Robert Snodgrass joined the party shortly after the half-hour mark.
Jonathan Kodjia was not part of the squad as he continues to nurse an ankle injury that he picked up in last weekend’s goalless draw with arch rivals Birmingham City.
The forward was watching, though, as he tweeted his post-match thoughts the morning after the victory.
With regards to the 28-year-old’s situation, it is unknown when Kodjia will be back in Steve Bruce’s team.
However, according to the Express & Star, the manager is hopeful that the Ivory Coast international will be available for this weekend’s clash against Sheffield Wednesday at Villa Park.
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Some fans reacted to the forward’s tweet by focusing on his potential return, while others joined him in praising the team.
When Nottingham Forest rescued Ross McCormack from his Aston Villa nightmare over the course of the January transfer window, it was supposed to spark a revival for both the Reds and the Scotsman.
However, following problems at Villa Park, the former Leeds United man seems to be undergoing similar issues on the banks of the River Trent, with the Telegraph reporting he hasn’t trained with Mark Warburton’s side in three weeks.
Undoubtedly one of the most prolific second tier strikers in recent years, the former Scotland international’s absence is understood to be down to personal and health-related issues.
While, of course, it may be a delicate situation keeping McCormack from reporting for duty, the report was always likely to spark reaction online. Indeed, much of the reaction from Villa and Leeds fans has been a positive one, with many showing support for their former striker.
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Here’s a closer look at how Villa and Leeds fans reacted to these reports.
It’s been a pretty underwhelming start for Southampton under their new boss Claude Puel.
The Frenchman came in with a good reputation in Ligue 1 but after three Premier League games he has yet to get a victory with the Saints.
The South Coast side drew 1-1 at home to Watford on the opening day before heading to Old Trafford to lose 2-0 against Manchester United. Then, at the weekend, they drew 1-1 again at home against Sunderland in a result that may cause Puel to reassess his playing squad before the end of the window.
With Europa League football firmly on the horizon the Saints need to have as strong a squad as possible. Their group consists of Inter Milan, Sparta Prague and Hapoel Be’er Sheva so they’ll need to improve if they are to get out of that group.
Fortunately there’s still time in the window to bring in recruits and we think these five La Liga stars would be a real help…
Gustavo Cabral
Cabral has been at Celta Vigo since 2013 and has been a key part of their defence. Celta impressed last season but have so far started this one fairly slowly, they lost on the opening day to newly promoted Leganes before being unfortunate to come away from Real Madrid with out at least a point, losing 2-1.
Nevertheless. Cabral is a good centre-half and would certainly give Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk a run for their money.
Carlos Vela
Vela spent seven years on Arsenal’s books but after a number of loan spells he didn’t break into the team and moved to Real Sociedad in 2012.
Since then he has been strong both through the middle and down the flanks and that would complement Southampton’s tactical set up well.
He has European experience too and that would help out the Saints in the Europa League this season.
Iker Muniain
GEPA-17090964072 – BILBAO,SPANIEN,17.SEP.09 – FUSSBALL – UEFA Europa League, Gruppenphase, Athletic Bilbao vs FK Austria Wien. Bild zeigt Iker Muniain (Bilbao).Foto: GEPA pictures/ Christian Ort
Muniain is one of the best dribblers in the game, which he combines with blistering pace to devastating effect.
The Spaniard hasn’t left Athletic Bilbao yet but surely will in the next couple of years so Southampton should try and get in front of everyone else for his signature.
He might cost quite a bit but with the new TV money in the Premier League, the Saints can probably afford him.
Ander Iturraspe
With Victor Wanyama leaving, Oriol Romeu has been tasked to replace him in the Southampton side – no mean feat.
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The club therefore should also be looking for other options in that holding role and Iturraspe could be just the man.
He’s an imposing presence in the centre of the park but can play a bit too and that would make him a real contender to start at St. Mary’s
Markel Susaeta
Susaeta got to the Europa League final with Athletic Bilbao in 2012 and although they eventually lost to Atletico Madrid, the experience he earned of going on that run would be hugely valuable to Southampton.
He primarily plays as a right-winger and this would give Puel the option to mix things up from the 4-4-2 diamond he has been playing so far this season.
Since returning from World Cup international duty this summer with his native Germany, Per Mertesacker’s performances in an Arsenal shirt have been the subject of stringent analysis within the English footballing community. Several in the game – most notably some of the more high-profile figures in TV punditry – have been quick to highlight the 30-year-old’s distinct lack of pace as reason enough for Arsene Wenger to cut loose his trusted centre-back.
Mertesacker’s role in the Gunners’ ill-fated Champions League first leg against Monaco has seen the defender receive the most intense level of criticism so far in his 2014/15 season, and as the Daily Mail are reporting that both Neven Subotic and Aleksandar Dragovic remain defensive targets for Arsenal throughout the coming summer months, the World Cup winner’s Emirates career seemingly looks to be in doubt.
However, despite the recycled claims that the big German is no longer good enough to ply his trade in the Premier League anymore, a series of questions still surround Per Mertescaker and his future with the north Londoners.
With Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulsita also now among the ranks of Arsenal’s squad, is Mertesacker seemingly too slow and out of form to be given such important responsibility at the Emirates, or has the recently retired German international simply been made into a scapegoat in what has only been a brief lapses in performance for the towering No. 4?
One thing that doesn’t bode too well for Per Mertesacker is the fact that he is – with all due respect – simply not the quickest across the pitch when it comes to defending in the Premier League. His height and elevated physicality make his ability to rush back into position and stop an impending attack all the more difficult. This much seemingly goes without saying.
The former Werder Bremem man has also been criticized for his lack of aerial strength, despite his apparent advantage in the height department. On a couple of occasions this term, Mertesacker has been beaten in the air by strikers who simply wouldn’t be expected to achieve such a feat with their difference in stature.
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This is what many pundits and fans alike in the modern game have had to say about the German centre-back however, but as is the case with most arguments within the beautiful game – there are always two sides to every story.
When Per Mertesacker puts in a good shift for the Gunners – as he had done throughout most of the 2013/14 campaign, building up a formidable partnership with Laurent Koscielny at the back – his critics rarely seem to be as giving with their praise as they are with their attacks.
On his day, the ex-Bundesliga star can simply have some of the Premier League’s best strikers firmly locked in his back pocket. His positional sense is usually on point – despite the fact that hardly anyone ever notices it – and his composure on the ball is also something that holds him in good stead down at the Emirates. Wenger notoriously prefers defenders who are adept with the ball at their feet, and although he may not initially seem it on first impressions, Per Mertesacker certainly falls into that category.
Yes, he didn’t have a good game against Monaco. And yes, his lack of pace invariably holds his progress in the Premier League back to a certain degree. But as most quicker defenders out there are in fact nowhere near the German’s overall defensive game, Arsenal fans must be willing to give the ‘BFG’ another chance.
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Perhaps if circumstances had allowed for Wenger’s collective back four to be more consistent and organised this season, Per Mertesacker wouldn’t have been handed the scapegoat status that currently tarnishes his reputation in the modern game.
The Gunners nevertheless have every chance of returning to their very best form at the tail end of the season, with 2015 proving to be a particularly impressive period for Arsene Wenger and Co. already.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is confident that the team can still advance to the last-16 of the Europa League.
The Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Zenit Saint Petersburg in their first-leg clash last week, leaving their hopes of European silverware on a knife-edge.
This result followed a shock home defeat to West Brom in the Premier League, a game in which the Anfield side dominated for vast periods, but were unable to land the killer blow.
However, they bounced back from this with a 5-0 win over Swansea on Sunday, and Lucas feels that this result will help then in their tie with Zenit:
“We started the week thinking it could be a really good week for us.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.
“But we had the defeat to West Brom and then the Europa League loss but we have finished the week off in a positive way by scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet.
“We know we still have to improve a lot but this victory will give us confidence going into Thursday to try to get through against Zenit.”
Although they were beaten in Russia, Liverpool created numerous chances during the 90 minutes, and were slightly unfortunate to concede two goals, which came in the space of three second-half minutes.
Lucas believes that if they match that level of performance this Thursday they still have a chance of booking a spot in the next round:
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“With the way we played over there, we created a lot of chances, if we do that again and take them then we’ll have a great chance of getting through to the next stage.
“We have to make sure we go with a positive and offensive mentality but knowing that if we concede it’s going to be very hard.”
Brazil is a country that has provided an endless conveyor belt of talent across the Atlantic Ocean and onto European shores. Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho are just a select few of imports from the Samba nation that took the continent by storm, achieving huge success. There are many youngsters hoping to follow the well-trodden legendary path onto the greatest stage of club football and one such player is Interncaional striker Leandro Damiao. The 22-year-old has been incessantly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur recently and with the club being accused of faltering at the final hurdle, he could certainly be the man to end their status as underachievers.
Damiao is not your typical Brazilian striker. He is an imposing, languid forward who provides a tremendous physical presence. Capable of scoring any kind of goal, he has already amassed a large portfolio from acrobatic finishes to poacher’s strikes. He rose to prominence last year as he netted an impressive 38 goals in 51 games for Internacional. Deadly in the box, Damiao has a fantastic sense of positioning that frequently puts him in the right place at the right time.
His excellent form for the Porto Alegre side was noted by Brazil coach Mano Menezes who drafted the prolific forward in for international duty. Damiao has since made five appearances for the Selecao with his first international goal coming against Ghana in September last year. Having made a strong case for regular selection, the 22-year-old is now widely tipped to lead the line for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup.
Despite his youth, Damiao is no stranger to responsibility. A fixture in one of Brazilian football’s premier clubs, the commanding striker is not one to shy away from the big occasion. Not long after his 21st birthday Damiao came on from the bench in the 2010 Copa Libertadores final. With his team narrowly hanging on to a first-leg advantage the striker made an instant impact, putting his side into the lead within four minutes of being on the pitch and leading the side to continental glory.
Another part of that Copa Libertadores winning unit was Sandro, a player who has enjoyed immense development in north London since his transfer. The deal was struck as part of the two clubs affiliation and the midfielder will no doubt attempt to encourage his compatriot to join him at White Hart Lane. Sandro may have endured a difficult start in the English capital but his progression will provide sound reasoning for Damiao to seriously consider a move to Tottenham.
Damiao rapid progression never ceases to amaze and he is becoming an ever more rounded player. Tottenham are looking to make Emmanuel Adebayor’s loan move from Manchester City permanent, but in the Brazilian they would possess ambitious striker, eager to make his mark on the European stage. The Togolese may have impressed during his spell at White Hart Lane, but Damiao offers different qualities. He thrives with the ball played into him and remains composed under pressure. He can retain the ball and involve the players around him, bringing the best out of the supporting wide players and midfielders.
He may not be proven on the European stage but the 22-year-old represents a cheaper and more exciting prospect. Tottenham will face stiff competition to acquire his services with both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus taking an interest in the striker, but if they can win the race for his signature it could prove to be a real coup in the coming seasons.
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Who do you think could be the man to solve Tottenham’s striker problems? Let me know on Twitter.
Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams could miss the rest of the season through injury, Phil Hay reports.
What’s the latest news out of Leeds involving Adams?
Adams suffered a hamstring injury in training last month and has missed Leeds’ five Premier League games as a result, including the recent back-to-back heavy home defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
Injury expert Ben Dinnery initially thought that the USA international could return in early April, however, Adams has since had surgery on the problem.
The 24-year-old won’t return against Fulham this Saturday as Javi Gracia’s side look to pull away from the relegation zone with a win at Craven Cottage, and it looks as if he may miss out for the rest of the season.
Hay was present at Thorp Arch for Gracia’s pre-match press conference, where an update on Adams was given. The Spaniard said that he can't say at this stage whether Adams will play again this season, admitting his side have felt the midfielder’s absence.
"He's a player who plays in a position where we don't have many other options. It's an absence in an important position."
Would be a big blow…
Adams has made 26 appearances in his first season at Elland Road, and his absence has already been felt with the Whites conceding a whopping 18 times in the five games without him in the side.
Journalist Tomi Oladipo described Adams as a "monster" earlier this season and the midfielder has been Leeds’ fourth-best player in 2022/23, as per WhoScored, comfortably outperforming the likes of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie.
Gracia’s midfield options have been limited without Adams, with the head coach mainly using Roca and McKennie over recent weeks. Adam Forshaw returned to the matchday squad last time out to make his first appearance of 2023, but being without Adams for the remainder of the season could be a huge blow.
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The Whites still have to face top-six sides Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the run-in, and if Leeds fail to tighten up in midfield and at the back without Adams’ presence, they could be set for three more heavy defeats.
Therefore, the three upcoming fixtures against Fulham, Leicester City and Bournemouth could make or break Leeds’ season, and it looks as if it is almost certain that Adams won't be back in time for any of those fixtures.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup has really only just begun, but patterns have already emerged and certain players have already had heady impacts for their countries. The most of games any one team has played is two, so to draw concrete conclusions would be foolish.
But with how important point differential is in the group stage, a few teams have already put themselves in prime position to advance. One of those countries is Russia, who have more than impressed as hosts this World Cup.
Russia infamously entered the 2018 World Cup as FIFA’s lowest ranked country , and though they were to open against a similarly paltry Saudi Arabia, there wasn’t much or any optimism surrounding the host country.
Then, they came out and absolutely embarrassed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening match. Russia dominated Saudi both with size and athleticism, and that showed up in the stat sheet in more ways than one. Russia had 14 shots to Saudi’s six. Russia had more corner kicks (6), big chances created (3) and aerials won (37), too.
Russia’s victory over Saudi really didn’t mean much on its own, though. No one would have been surprised had either team won or lost. It was the margin of victory that shocked so many. After their first game, Russia already had an impressive goal difference.
Egypt, then, served as a small boost in competition for Russia, a team universally regarded as better than Saudi if only because of Mohamed Sallah. The Egyptian striker didn’t play in his country’s opener, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, but he was back in time to face the hosts.
It really didn’t matter. Russia won a game by multiple goals again, downing the Egyptians 3-1 in St. Petersburg. Salah scored in the 73rd minute, but by that time the game was over, and Russia’s advancement to the knockout stage was practically guaranteed.
Given, Russia play in Group A, arguably the group with the lowest quality of teams in the tournament. Also given, their wins came against Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two countries that contribute to Group A’s lowly stigma. But in the World Cup, more often than not you see games that end 1-0 and 1-1, not the larger score lines Russia have enjoyed.
No matter what happens in Russia’s final group game against Uruguay on Monday, they’ll definitely be involved in the knock-out stages. Does a team that was almost unanimously disregarded have any fighting chance of even winning a match past the group stage?
What’s as important as anything here is what country they’ll draw in the second round. Russia and Uruguay are tied for first in Group A with six points each, so it’s safe to say the winner of that match will finish with the top spot. However, Russia have a distinct advantage because if it’s a draw, they will be first because their current goal differential is plus seven — Uruguay’s is just plus two.
Barring a sudden change of events, the winning countries of Group B will be Spain and Portugal. This is not a surprise — it was pretty much a given from the start — and one of these teams will play Russia in the second round.
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Unfortunately for Russia, this is where their road will almost undoubtedly end. Russia have already defied the odds by amassing a goal differential of plus seven through two games, so expecting this kind of an upset would be foolish. Maybe being the host country in 2018 comes with some magic. Or maybe not.
But it’s still pertinent to discuss what has brought Russia to this point. It doesn’t hurt to have a forward who currently ranks along the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa in scoring.
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Denis Cheryshev’s three goals have inspired Russia’s fairytale story thus far. He’s been a massive reason Russia have raced in to such a lead, but it hasn’t come without the help of a few key teammates.
The 22-year-old Aleksandr Golovin has emerged as one of the best distributors in Russia, racking up a World-Cup leading two assists and amassing a pass success percentage of 74.4.
Russia will face long odds once they advance, but nothing can change what they’ve already accomplished, and right now they’re playing as a cohesive unit nobody really saw coming.
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