While Everton were able to take a point away from their Premier League encounter with Chelsea on Sunday, it was a game where they did not create much due to the home side’s dominance when it came to ball possession.
As a result, summer signing Richarlison failed to make much of an impact up front having been reduced to playing off scraps.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian has still been an amazing addition to Everton’s squad and has since been tipped by team-mate Seamus Coleman to make it to the very top.
The Breakdown
Speaking on the Toffees’ summer arrival, Coleman told the Liverpool Echo: “His [Richarlison] quality to score goals is amazing and his work-rate is second-to-none so that’s impressive. For him to put in a shift and get two goals [against Brighton] we are all very excited about him.
“The manger has signed really good guys, the lads we have brought in this season have been unbelievable around the place. He’s a top player and we are lucky to have him. He won’t get big-headed by his performances. He’s a great lad, he’s had a tough time to get here and I can see him going to the very top.”
It is still early days, of course, but Richarlison has shown he has all the tools needed to become an elite forward — as alluded to by Coleman.
The 21-year-old has pace to run in behind, can dribble, use both his feet, is a threat in the air and, most importantly, is starting to become a real goal threat.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
This campaign, Richarlison has already scored six goals in 10 Premier League appearances, which is more than what he managed in 35 games last season at his previous club Watford.
Be it out wide or up front, the Brazil international is quickly developing into a quality forward.
Everton are reportedly set to battle Wolves for the free signing of Miguel Veloso, and it could be another stroke of genius from Marcel Brands.
What’s the story?
According to Teamtalk, Everton and Wolves have both “shown interest” in the veteran midfielder, who is a free agent after opting not to renew his contract with Serie A side Genoa.
The Premier League window is of course closed, but Veloso could still sign for a Premier League side as he became a free agent before the window closed.
The 32 year-old can play as a midfielder or defender, and the report claims Marco Silva would like to add even more to his squad after an impressive late surge in the transfer market.
New director of football Brands has already worked his magic this summer, but getting an experienced, versatile and reliable international for free might just be his best move yet.
Veloso is not going to set the league alight aged 32, and he probably wouldn’t even be first choice for Everton, but the 56-cap Portuguese international could play an important role in Silva’s squad.
Silva’s fast-paced and free-flowing football has hit the ground running at Goodison, but it will start to take its toll on the squad as the season wears on. Midfield depth is essential, and Veloso’s calmness in possession would be a valuable trait to have coming off the bench.
The midfield maestro has never averaged below an 80 per cent pass success rate over a full season throughout his career, and his last two seasons with Genoa he averaged well over one key pass per game.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He is just as solid without the ball as with it though, and his tough tackling will quickly endear him to the Goodison faithful. Averaging nearly two tackles and well over one interception per game throughout his career, his intelligence and game-reading ability means Silva could use him in defence as a last resort.
If Silva and Brands are seeking a reliable veteran to take pressure off the first eleven, control matches late on, and fly in with the occasional crunching tackle, then they really can’t go wrong with Veloso.
So, Everton fans, do you think the 32 year-old would be a good signing? Or would you rather stick with what you have? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
Writing in his column for The Daily Record, Rangers legend Barry Ferguson has called on Graeme Murty’s side to put Celtic under serious pressure this weekend with a win against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
What’s the story?
The Gers host Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday ahead of Celtic’s massive trip to Pittodrie on Sunday and a win would see them move to within six points of the reigning champions.
Having suffered another heavy defeat in Europe and returning from a long, gruelling trip to Russia, the Hoops are arguably as vulnerable this Sunday as they have been all season.
A win for Graeme Murty’s men would only put more pressure on their Sunday match and a former title winner at Ibrox believes it’s their last chance to spark a title race.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Ferguson said:
Realistically, their game against Hearts tomorrow afternoon represents their last chance to lay down a marker to Celtic ahead of Brendan Rodgers taking his team to Aberdeen 24 hours later.
If Rangers win and Celtic slip up against the Dons, they could be just six points behind the reigning champions heading into the business end of the season.
Nine points may sound an insurmountable gap, but you’re talking to a guy who won a title in 2005, our famous Helicopter Sunday, when we were five points behind our biggest rivals in April with just four games left to play.
Can the Light Blues really move to within sight of Brendan Rodgers’ side this weekend?
What are their chances against Hearts?
Craig Levein’s side have proven to be tough to beat this season and Rangers know that fine well having already drawn with the Jam Tarts 0-0 at Ibrox earlier in the season.
The Edinburgh side come into this weekend’s match on a six-game unbeaten streak and have conceded less goals in the league this season than every team in the top-flight apart from Celtic.
They’ll be a tough nut to crack and given Rangers’ inability to find consistency at home this season, it’s fair to say three points against Levein’s eleven are not guaranteed.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
With the promise of putting pressure on Celtic though, perhaps the Light Blues can find it within themselves to produce a stellar performance.
According to reports in French publication L’Equipe, Tottenham Hotspur have agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier but face competition from Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan in order to bring him to the Premier League.
What’s the word, then?
Well, L’Equipe says that Spurs and the two Italian clubs have an agreement in place with the player, but now they must sort a price with PSG for the Ivory Coast international.
Tottenham are still yet to make any summer signings but their need for a right-back has intensified with Kyle Walker being sold to Manchester City last month and replacement Kieran Trippier suffering an ankle injury which meant that youngster Kyle Walker-Peters started the win against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Aurier has slipped down to third-choice at the Parc des Princes following the arrival of Dani Alves from Juventus this summer, who according to L’Equipe are now ironically looking to replace the experienced Brazilian with the 24-year-old.
How did Aurier do last season?
While he is out-of-favour and wants to leave the French capital now, the Ivorian was a regular in the PSG team last term and ended the campaign having made 32 appearances in all competitions, providing five assists.
The 24-year-old made his name playing for his country at the 2014 World Cup when his impressive attacking performances caught the eye of many top European teams, with the Ligue 1 giants eventually winning the race to sign him from Toulouse later that summer.
Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?
He should be, yes.
While Walker-Peters put in an admirable performance against Newcastle at the weekend, it remains to be seen whether he is at the required level to cover Trippier in the Premier League and Champions League throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Aurier is a strong defender who loves to get forward, but there are some question marks on his off-field actions as he has previously been suspended by PSG over comments he made against former boss Laurent Blanc, while he was refused entry to the UK for his team’s European clash against Arsenal in November after being accused of assaulting a police officer.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while Spurs have agreed terms with the player they will be relying on the player preferring to move to England considering the competition they have for his signature.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Manchester United are competing on three fronts for the remainder of this season (seeing as there is only one match left in their EFL Cup campaign). That is a feat considering the position they were in only a few months ago. Admittedly, one of those fronts is actually competing for a top four spot rather than the actual trophy itself, but still. They are a club tired of falling short, spoilt by the glories of Alex Ferguson and frustrated that they no longer have complete rule of the Premier League roost. They have fallen so short of their former peak, in fact, they are not even dining at the exclusive premium European table anymore.
Jose Mourinho is the man tasked with returning Manchester United to the top. To do that, they must show they can not only compete in one competition, but be able to win multiple trophies season on season. This year they are unlikely to do that – although a cup treble is not beyond the realms of possibility. The remainder of this campaign could be huge for United.
Qualification for the Champions League is an absolute must. Mourinho is fortunate he has the depth of squad to compete strongly for both a top four finish and for a late run into the Europa League. Although he has been widely critical of the Champions League’s exhausting, unfriendly cousin for much of his career, Mourinho should see it as a viable route back into the big time. It is a trophy, whether Mourinho respects it or not, and there is a feeling that he needs to lift his first trophy at a club very quickly. He is a man all about the ends, the means are disinteresting to him, so the ends must be there right away.
[ad_pod id=’now-tv’ align=’centre’]
Facing St Etienne this week, Mourinho’s team selection will be revealing of his plans for the rest of the season. In truth, Manchester United could rest the majority of their first team and still name a line-up capable of winning the competition. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marcus Rashford and others will be raring to go, while Mourinho’s first choice stars can lurk on the bench in case they are needed to save their team-mates from a crisis.
Following their Europa League return, Manchester United face Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup. The least relevant of their remaining commitments, one would think. A weakened side is surely likely against the former Premier League champions, but it would be one of the greatest shocks in recent memory if the Red Devils fail to qualify for the next round. The last thing Mourinho would want is a replay, though.
Manchester United, ultimately, are in a very strong position. Players are hitting form and their lavish investment over the past couple of years has enabled them to compete significantly on all fronts. Squad depth allows Mourinho to rotate, but that is where the problem lies. Rotation is not something often associated with Mourinho and a failure to keep his players fresh presents the greatest threat to United this season.
What looked like a troubling first campaign for Mourinho could yet be an overwhelming success. They have the squad to keep everyone fresh for their top four push, while continuing to aim for silverware in the cup competitions. It is now down to Mourinho’s squad management to see how it pans out – a glorious season rests on his ability to kick the bad habit and rotate his squad more.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Due to the often desperate and panicked nature of the Premier League’s notorious winter transfer period, the annual January window usually culminates with its fair share of hugely inflated player valuations and over-priced transfer fees seemingly without fail in every passing season.
…But as Southampton have nonetheless completed the permanent capture of QPR’s Charlie Austin for as little as £4 million this winter, such a usually reliable trend has certainly been somewhat reversed in this particular instance alone.
So then, with Ronald Koeman’s Saints clearly looking to improve upon their fortunes throughout the remainder of the 2015/16 campaign, have Southampton actually completed one of the best winter signings of January transfer window in the shape of Charlie Austin?
Well, as this is a player who simply thrived in front of goal whilst operating among the English top-flight last season, surely the St. Mary’s faithful have plenty to be excited about in regards to their club’s latest capture in the striking department – especially as Austin managed to impress whilst working alongside a distinctly poor Queens Park Rangers outfit who were certainly worthy of relegation in the end.
Via his powerful nature inside the final third, no-nonsense approach in one-on-one situations, and clear hunger for goals whenever he steps out onto that pitch – the in-demand English striker who could easily give Ronald Koeman’s current Southampton outfit a much needed boost across the rest of the season.
[ffc-gal cat=”southampton” no=”5″]
When it comes to holding up the ball with effective style and swiftly turning defenders inside the opposition’s penalty box, Charlie Austin certainly failed to disappoint last season. He has also continued his fine goal-scoring form down at Loftus Road in 2015/16 – albeit in the Championship of course – and remains a player who arguably deserves to be plying his trade among the English top-flight with all things considered.
The 26-year-old striker possesses a fair degree of technical ability when patrolling the front-line up top for his respective side, which is something you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a traditional English centre-forward. On the back of his calm composure in front of goal and ability to find the back of the net on most given occasions, Austin could even be in with a shout among Roy Hodgson’s plans at Euro 2016 this summer – if he can continue to shine with the Saints in 2015/16 that is.
Put in no uncertain terms whatsoever, Ronald Koeman’s Southampton just haven’t looked as dominant among the Premier League as they so readily proved last season. As many of the Saints’ most significant names have been tempted away from St. Mary’s in recent transfer windows, it has become admittedly harder for Koeman to keep the good times flowing down on the South Coast, even if Southampton remain far from a club in crisis when all is said and done.
Although Shane Long has undoubtedly served to impress throughout the vast majority of the current campaign, Koeman’s side haven’t proven quite as forceful without Graziano Pelle consistently doing the business up top for the Saints. Charlie Austin could therefore represent an ideal replacement for the Italian international, who has been subject to a succession of both injury and transfer related distractions in 2015/16.
…And for an overall fee of £4 million this January, Ronald Koeman’s side have seemingly sourced themselves a very impressive deal indeed. We have only recently just witnessed Benik Afobe seal his recent move to AFC Bournemouth for as much as £10 million this January – and seeing as QPR supposedly wanted £15 million for their marquee man just a small matter of months ago – the St. Mary’s faithful seem to have a great deal to smile about in regards to this latest transfer at their club.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Yes, the 26-year-old could well develop into an over-hyped ‘one-season-wonder’ with the benefit of hindsight, and Austin is a player who has most definitely struggled with his own respective injury concerns throughout his footballing career so far – but as even the very best players initially represent at least some form of risk when they first join up with the English top-flight – Southampton have no reason to second guess their newest acquisition at this particular stage.
So, in a modern transfer market that is usually defined by big-money moves and equally big-name captures, it’s certainly nice to witness a Premier League club land themselves some genuine value for money for a change…
Mario Balotelli continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, with further reports adding that Puma, who sponsor both Arsenal and Balotelli, are willing to help facilitate the move.
The Italian forward has an eye-catching record in front of goal for Milan since his move in January 2013, but the club are looking to raise funds via the player’s sale and Arsenal could look to do business, with Arsene Wenger on the hunt for a world-class striker to round out the attack at the Emirates.
Balotelli’s erratic nature is a concern, but if he can raise his game in Brazil in the way he did during Euro 2012, he may see himself with a large number of suitors come the end of the tournament.
Arsenal are in need of a large number of quality signings this summer, and if Balotelli is to lead the way, these are SIX players who could follow the Italian to north London.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON CARLOS VELA TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
[ffc-gallery]
Football – Real Sociedad Training – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – 22/10/13Real Sociedad’s Carlos Vela during trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
Jackson Martinez
Football – Galatasaray v FC Porto – Emirates Cup 2013 – Pre Season Friendly Tournament – Emirates Stadium – 13/14 – 3/8/13Jackson Martinez – FC Porto Mandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley
Jackson Martinez has once again emerged as a target for Arsenal this summer, according to the player’s agent. The striker market is looking thin at the moment for Arsenal, who need someone who is capable of scoring 20 league goals at least next season. But Martinez has been linked with a move out of Portugal for much of the past year, with clubs around Europe impressed by the Porto forward’s scoring record. The Portuguese club are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, which makes it difficult to see Wenger moving for the Colombian. But Wenger may well be convinced if the forward has a good World Cup. Based on stats alone – 20 goals in 30 league games last season – he’d be a good buy for the club.
[ad_pod id=’memegen’ align=’center’]
Carlos Vela
Football – Real Sociedad Training – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – 22/10/13Real Sociedad’s Carlos Vela during trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
If reports are to be believed, Arsenal have been in talks to sign Carlos Vela all week. The Mexican forward is available to the club for £3.5 million, but it’s been suggested that Wenger will buy back the forward and immediately sell him on at a profit. Vela has all the qualities to be a success at the club at the second time of asking, but he appears to have burnt his bridges with Wenger after a string of indiscretions during his first spell. Vela would be a very good buy for the club this summer, given his price tag, allowing for the club’s budget to be focused on other areas of the team in equal or greater need of address.
[ad_pod id=’memegen’ align=’center’]
Calum Chambers
Football – Hull City v Southampton – Barclays Premier League – The Kingston Communications Stadium – 11/2/14Southampton’s Calum Chambers celebrates at full timeMandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account
It would be enormously risky of Arsene Wenger to sign 19-year-old Calum Chambers and have him battle Carl Jenkinson for a starting position at right-back next season, but it’s not something you’d put past the Arsenal manager. Wenger is reportedly an admirer of the Southampton youngster, who is on Arsenal’s radar as they search for a replacement for Bacary Sagna. The only way this makes sense is if Arsenal land Chambers and another experienced right-back, while loaning out Jenkinson. Chambers has shown a lot of potential this season, and with the paucity of quality at right-back for England, looks set to become a full international in the near future.
[ad_pod id=’memegen’ align=’center’]
Pepe Reina
Football – Arsenal v S.S.C Napoli – Emirates Cup 2013 – Pre Season Friendly Tournament – Emirates Stadium – 13/14 – 3/8/13Napoli’s Pepe ReinaMandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley
Pepe Reina had a good season on loan in Italy, winning the Coppa Italia, and now looks to be on his way permanently out of Liverpool, with the club invested in Simon Mignolet. Reina has lost a lot of support in English football due to the nature of his mistakes over the past few years and the belief that he’s now declining as a player. But as a member of the Spanish World Cup squad, he’d be a valuable asset to have as backup to Wojciech Szczesny at Arsenal. The big problem is his wages, but Wenger is a known fan of the goalkeeper, and adding an experienced figure to the goalkeeping department would be a wise move.
[ad_pod id=’memegen’ align=’center’]
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Alvaro Morata
Football – AFC Bournemouth v Real Madrid – Pre Season Friendly – Goldsands Stadium, Dean Court – 13/14 – 21/7/13Alvaro Morata – Real MadridMandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley
This one is set to drag on deep into the summer, with Real Madrid insisting on £25 million for Alvaro Morata or £15 million plus the option to buy him back in the future, reportedly. Wolfsburg were said to close to a deal, but that appears to have gone quiet, while Juventus and Arsenal have been admirers for much of the off-season so far. Morata would add a good deal of depth to Arsenal’s front line, but isn’t yet the finished article to lead a team to the league title. The sticking point will be Wenger’s obvious reluctance to spend that lavishly on a player who will only be a backup/prospect.
[ad_pod id=’memegen’ align=’center’]
Luiz Gustavo
Football – Brazil v Japan – FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group A – Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, Brazil – 15/6/13Luiz Gustavo – BrazilMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl Recine
Luiz Gustavo was heavily linked to Arsenal last summer, with the club seemingly intent on adding a specialist in the defensive midfield position. But for one reason or another, Gustavo joined Wolfsburg from Bayern, strengthening a squad that is shaping up to be one of the most impressive in the Bundesliga. The Brazilian was a starter in the World Cup opener on Thursday night, partnering Paulinho and performing well, covering for David Luiz whenever the PSG defender roamed forward. Wolfsburg have no financial need to sell, but further good performances at this World Cup could alert Arsene Wenger, who has made a defensive midfielder one of his top priorities this summer.
and Manchester City are to send their best scouts to Glasgow to watch over Celtic’s Victor Wanyama, according to the Daily Mail.
The Kenyan international has rejected an improved and extended contract to keep him at Celtic park.
Wanyama currently has two years left on his current deal; however both Manchester clubs are interested in luring the defensive midfielder to the Premier League.
In the summer, Wanyama was a transfer target for relegation battlers Queens Park Rangers, however the SPL Champions refused to budge on the Kenyan’s £10million price tag.
It is unknown whether City or United will splash the cash for the 21-year-old starlet or wait for his contract to expire, however it is believed scouts from both clubs will be watching Wanyama when Celtic take on Barcelona in the Champions League on November 7th.
Wanyama’s agent Ivan Modia has told reporters: “We had a meeting with Celtic in the first week of October and the [contract] proposal was rejected shortly after the meeting.
“We have not held further discussions and it is up to Celtic if they want to resume talks with a different proposal.”
The agent did however, explain that for the time being, the youngster considers himself a Celtic player.
“He is very happy at Celtic and is grateful for the opportunity the club has given him,” said Modia.
“He has loved every minute of his time here and will continue to be the consummate professional. He will continue to give his all for the club.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“We are aware of interest but he is contracted to Celtic. It is up to them to determine what happens,” he added.
Football fans’ willingness to show their dedication comes in all shapes and sizes. One such way is to splay their dedication over their body in the form of a tattoo. I can understand why somebody might choose to tattoo their footballing allegiance onto their body. Whilst women come and go, a football team is for life. It’s the manly man’s equivalent of getting “I love mom’ yet a tattoo is a big commitment, so it’s important to get it right. As you can imagine, this process isn’t always a success.
Below are the top 10 Newcastle United tattoos to be found on the net – the good, the bad and the plain ugly – click on image below to unveil gallery:
[divider]
Have you got a better Newcastle tattoo? Football FanCast would like to invite the readers to submit their own entry via our Facebook Page. The winning entries will go forward to our grand competition to find the best tattoo in the Premier League.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Leeds United are close to signing highly-rated Bury teenager Morgan Sadler after beating a number of Premier League clubs to his signature, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post.
What’s the story?
The 15-year-old defender has impressed for Bury’s U18 side and has attracted interest from top clubs including Fulham according to Football Insider.
The centre-back was a part of the Manchester City setup after they spotted the young talent at the age of 13, but he moved to Gigg Lane shortly afterwards.
Now Leeds are reportedly in talks with the young talent as they look to strengthen their famous academy that has produced the likes of Danny Rose, Lewis Cook, James Milner and Ronaldo Vieira.
Leeds fans shouldn’t expect to see Sadler in action for the first-team at any time soon but judging by the interest in the 15-year-old, it should be worth the wait.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
With the apparent progress the club is making at the moment with their new brand of exciting and attacking football under a manager with vision for the club, it’s good to see the club are still looking towards the future.