All posts by n8rngtd.top

Chelsea and Nottingham Forest shared the points in an entertaining draw at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling was back to his imperious best, netting his first Premier League goals since New Year's Day against the same opponents via a brilliant brace in a rare showing of attacking quality for the Blues.

The winger will deservedly receive the plaudits for his fabulous performance, but Trevoh Chalobah, who is currently deputising out of position for the sidelined Reece James – with the defender ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to injury – was also fantastic.

How did Trevoh Chalobah play against Nottingham Forest?

The 23-year-old has endured an extremely difficult campaign, only starting 15 Premier League games, whilst registering just the 22nd-best average rating in the West London outfit’s squad (6.51).

However, the centre-back excelled against the Reds and justified Frank Lampard’s decision to field him in the starting lineup in an unfamiliar area of the pitch.

The former Ipswich Town loanee was fantastic defensively as he registered four clearances, two tackles, wasn't dribbled past, as well as winning all his ground and aerial duels.

The youngster has always shown this promise and when he was loaned to Lorient for the 2020/21 season, he averaged the most interceptions per game (2.4) in the squad.

The defender was also magnificent in attacking areas, managing 125 touches, two key passes, one accurate cross, and three successful dribbles.

Interestingly, he ranks in the top 16% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers over the past 365 days for progressive carries, as well as the highest 19% for touches in the attacking penalty area, as per FBref. These statistics indicate that he is comfortable when in possession and has an underrated ability for popping up in dangerous attacking areas.

Due to Todd Boehly’s extraordinary lavish spending, the reportedly incoming Mauricio Pochettino is to inherit a hideously bloated squad, but the academy starlet, who has been at Chelsea since 2007, should be kept in the squad for his versatility and reliability.

Furthermore, fellow centre-backs Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly are both over 30 years old, and with two seasons of senior first-team football experience at Stamford Bridge under his belt, Chalobah could be a useful asset next season.

As someone who is accustomed to the surroundings in a period of extreme change, he is a fountain of stability that will be much appreciated next term.

Arguably the shining light for Manchester United this season has been emerging talisman, Marcus Rashford, with the England international having been far and away the club's most clinical presence in front goal.

At times it has appeared that the 25-year-old has had to shoulder the goalscoring burden on his own having now scored 29 times in all competitions to date – 18 more than second-highest scorer, Bruno Fernandes.

After a difficult few years for the academy graduate – after notably scoring just four league goals last term – the dynamic forward now looks back to his best, having even been hailed as "unstoppable" by manager Erik ten Hag earlier in the campaign.

There has been talk that the former Ajax boss is keen to add a world-class forward to his ranks this summer in order to help ease the reliance on the in-form Rashford, while a player already on United's books could also help to provide further firepower next term – Amad Diallo.

Fresh off the back of a scintillating loan spell at Sunderland, the 20-year-old – who has been described as "seriously talented" by BBC pundit Gary Lineker – could force his way into the first-team picture back at Old Trafford in pre-season and beyond.

On the evidence of the forward's recent form and the wealth of plaudits that have flooded his way, the former Atalanta ace could well be the club's best young talent since Rashford himself…

How good was Amad Diallo at Sunderland?

As per Manchester Evening News, Amad is set to be part of the travelling party for next month's FA Cup final despite not actually being part of the squad, with that an indication that Ten Hag is keen to quickly integrate the wing wizard into the senior set-up for next season.

That comes amid what has been a stellar campaign for the diminutive ace at the Stadium of Light, with the wide man having been a "joy to witness", according to journalist Josh Bunting.

Also hailed as "incredible" by teammate Luke O'Nien, Amad was crucial in the Black Cats' push for promotion after scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in 37 regular season Championship games, including a stunning, final-day strike away at Preston North End.

While Tony Mowbray's men ultimately missed out on a place at Wembley after suffering a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Luton Town in the play-off semi-final, the £19m man was instrumental in the first-leg victory, producing a "thing of beauty" – as per Lineker – after curling in from range.

That moment of magic showed just why the "boy is special" – according to Bunting – with now the time to see the 5 foot 8 ace in action back at the Theatre of Dreams, having so far made just nine first-team appearances for United since his arrival in January 2021.

Of course, the Red Devils already have a potential poster boy in Alejandro Garnacho, although it is Amad who has been compared to Lionel Messi in the past by ex-teammate Papu Gomez due to his quality in training, with that a real marker of the Ivorian's sensational talent.

While technically not an academy asset, the latter gem could well be the next young star to establish himself in the first-team ranks, with the aim of potentially emulating Rashford by cementing a place in the side for the years to come.

Hailed as a "future star" by Gomez, Amad must now begin to realise his exciting potential under Ten Hag during the 2023/24 campaign.

Arsenal are known for giving a platform to young stars to succeed and have stuck by their philosophy under Mikel Arteta, which has paid dividends in a successful 2022/23 campaign that has yielded Champions League qualification.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have blossomed this term under the Spaniard while William Saliba has become a mainstay in the backline at the Emirates.

One talent who has struggled to break into the side over the last year has been Emile Smith Rowe, who has made just 14 appearances in competitions for the Gunners, registering a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Incredibly, Smith Rowe is still only 22-years-old and there is every chance that he could return to the fold in 2023/24 and play a key role for his boyhood club in north London.

What's the latest news involving Emile Smith Rowe?

As per talkSPORT, Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Smith Rowe in the summer transfer window and are willing to 'chance their arm' to see if they can land the England Under-21 international.

Unai Emery, who gave the London-born midfielder his debut at Arsenal, is said to be the motivation behind their interest as he eyes adding some gloss to his Aston Villa side.

The Daily Mail report that Smith Rowe could be part of a four-man clearout this summer alongside Folarin Balogun, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding as Arteta looks to raise funds for a transfer window spending spree.

On the contrary, Football London's Kaya Kaynak has signalled that there might be a twist in the tale in an online Q&A that Smith Rowe has been training in a different position from his usual number ten role at London Colney, writing: "It's a bit of a mystery why he’s [Smith Rowe] hardly playing. I guess you could argue that Reiss Nelson is ahead of him at the moment, but Smith Rowe has been training as a central midfielder, so it's probably more apt to say that it's Fabio Vieira whose in front of him in the queue."

Kanak then added: "I'd be surprised if he were to leave this summer myself. He's got three years left on his deal still, and would probably need to force a move away if he wants one. No doubt there's plenty of interest from teams in the Premier League and abroad, but I think he'll stay put as things stand."

It is difficult to judge his exploits this term; however, in 2021/22, Smith Rowe bagged an impressive 11 goals and two assists in 37 outings, showing that he can be an important asset to Arsenal when fully fit, as per Transfermarkt.

Altering his position slightly could also help the Gunners to save significant expenditure in the transfer market and avoid paying over the odds for the likes of Declan Rice, Mason Mount or Moises Caicedo, all of whom have been mentioned as potential transfer targets.

Journalist Mark Mann-Bryans has previously labelled the £40k-a-week ace as a "game-changer" and it is easy to see why, taking his talent into account.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Paul Brown has predicted that Smith Rowe will be given an opportunity to shine next season.

Brown told FFC: "I think he knows he'll get minutes next season, he'll get a chance to force his way back into that team. The only way I think Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal is if another big Champions League team comes in for him and says you're going to go right in, you'll be playing virtually every week; this is where we're going to give you a key role. But is there a Champions League team that wants to do that? I don't think there is."

Smith Rowe's ability isn't in doubt and he deserves a place in Arteta's squad next year to show his capabilities on a weekly basis.

Leeds United will already be considering how they can replace and potentially improve upon some of the players that look destined to exit Elland Road this summer.

However, after shipping a remarkable 78 goals in the Premier League en route to relegation, it seems clear that much of the defence will need replacing if the Yorkshire outfit are to mount a serious promotion challenge in the 2023/24 campaign.

One man who has struggled immensely in recent months, as both a centre-back and a left-back in Leeds' side, is Pascal Struijk, and the Whites could find a dream replacement in Ryan Manning.

Would Ryan Manning be a good signing?

According to Football League World, Leeds were considering a move for the Irishman this summer regardless of the division they found themselves in, and Andrea Radrizzani could now recruit one of the very best players in the division without paying a transfer fee.

Manning was surprisingly released by Swansea City in their recent retained list after failing to agree to a new contract with the Welsh side, and he will undoubtedly attract a lot of interest this summer after some phenomenal displays for the Swans this season.

In 43 appearances in the Championship, the 26-year-old registered an impressive five goals and ten assists from left-back, earning a superb 7.26 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

For context, Tyler Adams was ranked as Leeds' best performer with a far-less-impressive 6.73 average rating from WhoScored this season, while Rodrigo's 13 goals and one assist were the closest anyone would come to Manning's overall goal contributions.

Manager Russell Martin was full of praise for the QPR man back in 2021, outlining qualities that would make him an exciting signing for Leeds. He said:

“Ryan is someone who can play anywhere. We are going to be very demanding of him because he is a talented player. He knows my feelings on him as a character and a player and he is responding brilliantly."

He also dubbed him "outstanding" earlier in this campaign, so it will be a big blow for Swansea to lose him but most certainly Leeds' gain who could secure an upgrade on Struijk.

Not only has Manning vastly outperformed the Dutchman from an attacking perspective, as the former Ajax man managed just two goals and one assist in the top flight, but he also looks to be a defensive upgrade too.

The Irishman averaged more interceptions per game (1.3 vs 1) and was dribbled past on fewer occasions per game (0.5 vs 0.9) when compared to Struijk, which suggests that he could be more switched on defensively.

A versatile left-back who can contribute to both sides of the game could be exactly what Leeds need if they want to bounce back at the first time of asking, so signing Manning on a free transfer to improve a woeful defence seems like a no-brainer.

Aston Villa will consider signing Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi this summer, as Unai Emery is a big fan, according to journalist John Townley.

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Villa have clearly made Marco Asensio a key transfer target, as it has been reported they have made a "great financial offer" for the Real Madrid midfielder, with Emery looking to make him the club's "big star", but there will be fierce competition.

The same report details that Paris Saint-Germain have also made an offer for the Spaniard, and the allure of Champions League football could mean the French club will the race for his signature, in what would be a real blow for the Villans.

Asensio has been identifed as Emery's main target in an advanced midfield role, however, he may also look at some more defensive options, including Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, and Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte.

In a fans Q&A for the Birmingham Mail, Townley has now claimed that Villa could also consider signing Guendouzi, having made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the Marseille midfielder during the January transfer window.

The Villans could not get a deal over the line in the last window, however, Emery is said to be a big fan of the 24-year-old, having worked with him during his time as Arsenal manager, and he could renew his interest. As the Villa boss has his sights set on bringing in a new midfielder this summer, it seems as if the Frenchman will be considered.

Would Matteo Guendouzi be a good signing for Villa?

Although he failed to make the grade at Arsenal, the maestro has since gone on to become a very important player for Marseille, making a total of 42 appearances in all competitions this season, during which time he has showcased his various abilities.

Over the past year, the seven-time France international ranks in the 98th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90, while he has also impressed defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for interceptions and in the 81st for aerials won.

Hailed as "fantastic" by members of the media, the £42k-per-week midfielder has proven himself in Ligue 1, and he has earned another chance in the Premier League.

With Villa set to compete in the Europa Conference League next season, they could do with players with a proven pedigree in European competitions to take them to the next level, and Guendouzi has made 37 appearances across the Europa and Champions League, so he may be a shrewd signing.

Newcastle United have 'always wanted' Leicester City playmaker James Maddison and will be in the race to sign the England international this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

As per The Mirror, Newcastle United will rival Tottenham Hotspur this summer as they try to acquire Maddison from Leicester City in a deal that could cost around £40 million.

The Athletic report that Leicester City will try to sell Maddison in the off-season to raise funds for their assault on the Sky Bet Championship; however, the Foxes are hopeful that they can initiate a bidding war for his services.

Arsenal have also been linked with a swoop for the £110k-a-week ace and could let go of Emile Smith Rowe to make room for the Coventry-born midfielder.

Football Insider claim that Newcastle United are 'frontrunners' to sign Maddison and boss Eddie Howe is 'close to a breakthrough in negotiations' with the former Norwich City man.

According to the outlet, the Magpies have leapt in front of Tottenham in the race to land Maddison as they prepare for a tilt at Champions League football next term.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that Newcastle United have always been among the suitors to land Maddison.

Romano stated: "Maddison for sure because for the player they have been in the race since last summer. They always wanted him, they always appreciated him."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Maddison, who was hailed as a "Champions League player" on TalkSPORT, is a wonderfully talented midfielder and would add extra goals and creativity to Newcastle United ahead of the 2023/24 season.

In 2022/23, the 26-year-old made 32 appearances in all competitions and managed to register ten goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking on Sky Sports via The Daily Mail earlier this year, pundit Graeme Souness waxed lyrical over Maddison, stating: "He'll do the hard yards as well, he's an all round top man and I really think it will be hard to hold onto him. Over £100million for him. Chelsea spent £110m on Fernandez, you're buying potential with him, Maddison is a great player."

According to FBRef, Maddison also managed to lay on 138 shot-creating actions this campaign, demonstrating his ability to be an inventive presence in the middle of the park.

Unsurprisingly, Maddison was also Leicester City's most impressive performer, racking up an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to WhoScored.

With Newcastle United looking for some creative genius ahead of the new campaign, Maddison would be an excellent capture by Eddie Howe, all things considered.

TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has been left thrilled by Tottenham Hotspur and their links to Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

Which goalkeepers could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs star and long-serving number one Hugo Lloris, by his own admission, could well depart north London this summer as the Frenchman declares that it is time for a new challenge.

Speaking to Nice-Matin recently, Lloris claimed that this could be the end of an era for him at Tottenham, candidly stating that he is looking for opportunities elsewhere.

"We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It's the end of an era," said Lloris."I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. But I don't forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen."

As such, the Lilywhites, lead by new manager Ange Postecoglou, are in the market for new goalkeepers and have been linked with a fair few names – including Everton's Jordan Pickford and Croatia number one Dominik Livakovic.

Raya has also been repeatedly mentioned as a target for Spurs with reports even suggesting that they're "desperate" for his signing.

The Spaniard is also apparently "ready" to make the move across London, but there is currently a gap in valuation between Spurs and Brentford.

The Bees are holding out for £40 million, but if Tottenham can reach a comprimise, Agboblahor has told Football Insider that he could be a brilliant signing.

"I really like Raya," said Agbonlahor.“They need someone with his attributes – good at playing from the back, good shot-stopper.“I always thought Jordan Pickford would suit Spurs, but Raya is a good option as well.“I think Spurs need to make a top goalkeeper like Raya their first summer signing, for sure, I can see it happening.”

Who is David Raya?

The 27-year-old has been an excellent shot-stopper for Brentford, even ranking among their top five best-performing players per 90 last season according to WhoScored.

Raya, in that time, featured over more league minutes than anybody in Thomas Frank's squad – emphasizing his importance to Brentford and why they're set to dig their heels in over price.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking all the way back in 2021, also hailed Raya for his distribution – claiming he could even wear the number 10 shirt.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be among the clubs interested in sealing a summer move for Fiorentina star, Sofyan Amrabat, according to reports in Spain.

What's the latest on Amrabat to Tottenham?

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sports Witness), the Lilywhites – as well as German giants Bayern Munich – are said to have joined the race for the 26-year-old's signature, with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also eyeing said to be eyeing a move.

The report suggests that the Morocco international 'will leave' the Serie A outfit this summer after three seasons in Florence, with the midfielder currently having just a year left to run on his existing deal.

That expiring contract has ensured that – according to the report – the Netherlands-born maestro could be available for as little as €20m (£17m), hence the growing list of high-profile suitors.

Should Tottenham sign Amrabat?

The north Londoners' apparent interest in the former Club Brugge ace comes amid reports that new boss Ange Postecoglou could be ready to move on midfield everpresent, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, with The Sun claiming that the Danish destroyer is facing an 'uncertain' future at the club.

A further report from 90min has also suggested that the 27-year-old could be allowed to depart as he is not currently part of Postecoglou's thinking, despite having racked up 145 appearances in just three seasons at N17 since signing on a £15m deal from Southampton.

The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare had suggested previously that Hojbjerg could be one of the potential casualties of the change in the dugout, with the respected insider stating that the one-time Bayern Munich man is not a 'natural fit for either the No 6 or No 8 role' under the ex-Celtic coach.

As Eccleshare also noted, Postecoglou likes to deploy more of a playmaking figure at the base of the midfield who 'can drop deep, collect the ball from the centre-backs and spray ambitious passes to the full-backs and wingers', with Hojbjerg arguably more of a ball-winning presence, as he ranks in the top 20% among his European peers for interceptions made.

The signing of Amrabat could prove to be the solution that the Greek-Aussie will be craving in that pivot role, with the 6 foot 1 ace possessing that ability to dictate play as he ranks in the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 5% for pass completion – with the current Spurs man ranking in just the top 21% and the top 8% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Hailed as "criminally underrated" by journalist Muhammad Butt during the recent Europa Conference League meeting with West Ham United, the 48-cap rock showed his ability to 'spray' passes from deep in the build-up to his side's equaliser in that eventual showpiece defeat, having picked out teammate Nico Gonzalez with a delightful lofted pass, prior to Giacomo Bonaventura then duly dispatching the striker's knockdown.

Also described as a "monster" by journalist Carlo Garganese at the World Cup in Qatar, Amrabat would certainly be an astute addition for Postecoglou, particularly for that reported price of just £17m.

That signing would therefore mean that with Hojbjerg seemingly not the man for the job in that deep-lying role, the £100k-per-week must be ruthlessly shown the door.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has personally held talks with the representatives of Leicester City star James Maddison, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Maddison is being pushed as a top target for Spurs by sections of the press with some sources even suggesting that the 26-year-old was at the centre of a double bid last week.

The Lilywhites were said to have lodged an offer for both Maddison and his teammate, Harvey Barnes, worth in excess of £50 million which was swiftly rejected by Leicester.

Sky Sports rebuffed this claim, stating while Spurs had a serious interest in both, no formal proposal of any kind had gone in for the duo.

As well as the Foxes playmaker, it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new goalkeeper, central defender and possible forward additions.

David Raya of Brentford is wanted to replace Hugo Lloris, meanwhile the likes of Man City defender Aymeric Laporte have been tipped with potential moves to Spurs.

Galasary forward Nicolo Zaniolo has emerged as a target in recent days, too, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to strengthen in various areas of the pitch.

Going back to Maddison, a report by Football Transfers has shared some interesting news on Tottenham's chase for the England international.

According to their information, Postecoglou has personally held talks with Maddison's agents recently, and he is thought to have made a really good impression on them,

This has apparently helped to sway Maddison more towards Tottenham than Premier League rivals Newcastle, and the former Norwich City star may be tempted to join.

Despite this, Maddison is yet to have any personal contact with Spurs, but Postecoglou coming across well to the player's camp could be crucial.

How many goals did Maddison score last season?

Maddison starred for Leicester over the course of 2022/2023, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in the league alone, totalling an impressive 19 attacking contributions (WhoScored).

The Three Lions ace also attempted more shots at goal per 90, completing more key passes and registered their joint-highest rate of successful take-ons in the top flight (WhoScored).

These numbers make one thing crystal clear – he is far too good for the Championship.

Whether it is Newcastle or Spurs, either side may be on to seal a very potent and capable attacking threat in the final third.

Former West Ham and Leicester City star David Connolly has also called Maddison "absolutely magnificent" for his form at the King Power.

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements in their forward line this summer following a troubling Premier League relegation battle and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Folarin Balogun?

According to 90min, Everton are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun this summer and have already made contact over a potential move.

As per the report, Arsenal have told Balogun's representatives to find a new club with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Brentford, Fulham and Everton named as suitors.

It is claimed that the Gunners value their academy graduate at £30m and are happy for him to leave after the player rejected another opportunity to extend his contract at the North London club.

Who would Balogun replace in the Everton team?

There is no doubt that Sean Dyche will be keen to make improvements during his first full transfer window at Goodison Park and the focus is looking solely on the attacking threat.

The Toffees endured a real struggle for goal contributions in the Premier League last season which ultimately contributed to their =relegation worries and were only saved by a victory on the final day of the season.

Indeed, the Everton forward line has been significantly weakened over the last 12 months with Anthony Gordon and Richarlison departing, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been absent for the majority of the last two seasons due to injury issues, however, the club did sign Neal Maupay last summer to add some strength to the centre-forward role.

However, the Frenchman has flopped over his short time in Merseyside so far with just one goal scored in all competitions which has meant that the £15m signing has been another Farhad Moshiri transfer disaster.

As a result, Balogun could be a huge asset to Dyche next season and would instantly replace Maupay in the striker role if he can emulate the massive impact he had in Ligue 1 last season.

Over 37 league appearances, the 21-year-old talent scored 21 goals, registered two assists and created eight big chances, as well as averaging 3.5 shots on goal and 1.6 shots on target per game, with only Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Jonathan David scoring more in France last season.

For context, in the top flight, Everton only managed to score 34 goals over their 38-game campaign – just 13 more than Balogun netted – and their highest-scoring player was Dwight McNeil with just seven goals in all competitions.

Balogun's goal-scoring form whilst on loan at Stade Reims has not gone unnoticed and has led to huge praise from his manager Will Still who hailed the youngster for his contributions:

"He’s unbelievable, he has real talent but he is also just a top person.

"He’s trying to learn the language – we have a bit of banter because his French is terrible (but) I think he realises: being good here will allow him to get the spotlight and attention he needs."

With that being said, it would be a major coup if Dyche could secure the services of Balogun as he could not only help Everton compete comfortably next season, but he could also be the future leader of the forward line at Goodison Park for many years to come.