Alex McLeish has urged Everton to start playing Josh King more following his move from AFC Bournemouth in the January transfer window.
The Merseyside club’s next game is against Manchester City at Goodison Park in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, but King will not be able to play as he is cup-tied having already featured in the competition for the Cherries earlier on in the 2020/21 term.
Nonetheless, McLeish has claimed that now is the time for the former Manchester United man to show what he can do for Carlo Ancelotti’s team:
“If there’s problems for Everton and he hasn’t quite got into the rhythm of the Everton way, now’s the time.
“When he signed, I thought he was a good signing. He knows his way around the Premier League, Premier League defences and the opposition boxes.
“This is the time for Josh to make the mark.
“It’s quite simple, there’s no need to elaborate on it. He should be at the peak of his powers now.
“There are sliding doors for people in every walk of life. It could be that he ignites with Everton if he gets this opportunity to be a first-team pick.”
King barely used by Everton
King, who is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, has barely been used by the Toffees since his move, with just eight matches played in total over all competitions so far, and no starts (Transfermarkt).
The Norway international clearly has ability, with his former manager Jason Tindall describing him as a ‘real handful’ back in January, but has perhaps been the victim of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fine form up top.
However, given the latest injury to James Rodriguez, maybe there is a place for him to get a run in the side in the front line for the Blues, an opportunity that the 29-year-old striker would surely be looking to relish.
In other news, find out what potential injury boost EFC have received before Manchester City here!
Some Liverpool fans suggested that bit-part defender Nathaniel Phillips should start against Everton on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has been ushered into the first-team setup at Anfield this season on the back of the club’s cataclysmic injury crisis, with all three of the Reds’ established centre-backs out with season-ending injuries.
Manager Jurgen Klopp admitted back in October that Phillips was almost sold before the season kicked into gear. His situation would have been far worse had he done so.
In the limited game-time he has spent on the pitch (just 495 minutes of Premier League football and five starts all season), the 6 foot 2 defender has managed to average 4.5 clearances, complete three long balls and, most importantly, win 5.2 aerial duels (Whoscored).
The latter was the critical statistic in the debate that Grizz started on Twitter, after asking the question who should be the centre-back pairing for the weekend’s crucial encounter.
Phillips wins the Kop vote
“Davies is as good as Hendo in the air so Phillips would be the better choice”
Credit: @aba23228433
“Would prefer nat partnering Kabak”
Credit: @RealmadKop
“Phillips would be a good option. Hendo can’t deal with the aerial threat.”
Credit: @AbdulKalema
“Phillips and Kabak. Put the skipper in MF”
Credit: @T7261355310
“Kobak and Philips at the back and have Hendo as a CDM could drop back between the CBs if required”
Credit: @Joshwaldron9
“Phillips would be a good shout to counter that threat”
Credit: @bfenners17
“Get phillips in, i don’t understand why henderson play ahead of him as cb. I reckon Phillips has been superb”
Credit: @Fran_13_
In other news, Liverpool in four-horse race for ‘unplayable’ talent in blockbuster deal – report.
Southampton failed to find the back of the net for the fourth time in their last seven Premier League fixtures with a 1-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side rarely looked like scoring against the Toffees until the final moments and they could only muster one shot on target in the 90 minutes.
One key factor behind the Saints’ woeful recent form has been the lack of goals from Che Adams, who has now failed to score since the 3-0 win against Sheffield United in December.
Recent fixtures have seen Hasenhuttl utilise Nathan Redmond as a striker alongside Danny Ings, but the injury to Oriol Romeu meant that Stuart Armstrong moved from the wing into central-midfield, with Redmond starting in his usual position at Goodison Park.
This left a gap up front for Adams to partner Ings, but the duo showed no signs of the partnership that worked so well earlier in the season, with the former Birmingham City man anonymous throughout the game.
As per SofaScore, the 24-year-old would earn a disappointing 6.4 match rating for his display, with only Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond earning lower (both 6.3/10) of any player who started the game.
During his time on the pitch, Adams, who joined Southampton from Birmingham in a £15 million deal in the summer of 2019, would complete just 8/17 of his passes, resulting in a shocking 47% pass accuracy.
This was the fewest amount of passes played by any player who started the game, whilst it was also significantly lower than the 17.8 passes per game and the 69.8% pass accuracy he has averaged this season in the top-flight.
Despite having just 29 touches of the ball, Adams still managed to give the ball away 15 times, whilst he also failed to have a single shot on target, which emphasises that on the rare occasions here he did have the ball at his feet, he was extremely wasteful with it.
Everton’s centre-back pairing of Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane enjoyed a relatively stress-free game, as they both picked up solid match ratings, and were rarely troubled by Adams, who was only able to win four of his 17 total duels during the game, suggesting that he was simply outclassed by Carlo Ancelotti’s defenders at Goodison Park.
Therefore, it seems fair to suggest that Adams was completely anonymous in the defeat against Everton and that he let Hasenhuttl down when the Austrian manager needed him to deliver.
And, in other news… Saints handed big boost with £13.5m-rated gem who can put relegation fears to bed
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Roy Keane would find it difficult to be a success at Celtic.
The Glasgow club are, of course, searching for a new manager following Neil Lennon’s exit from Celtic Park last month, and Keane is one name currently being linked with the vacancy.
According to The Sun, the ex-Manchester United captain is keen on the job and would accept a proposal if offered. Palmer, however, is not convinced by the idea, concerned about Keane’s combative personality.
When asked whether appointing the former Celtic player would be a smart move, the retired England international told FFC:
“It’s a difficult one for me about Roy because the way Roy comes across, I just don’t see how he can be a successful manager. You can’t manage being the way that he is, so critical of everybody and he always seems to fall into that same kind of category all the time.”
Explaining further, Palmer went on to say: “When you want to get the best out of the players, you can’t keep criticising them, you can’t. [Jose] Mourinho’s found that out. You can’t publicly criticise the players because the players will throw you under the bus these days.”
With Keane having not managed a club since departing Ipswich Town 10 years ago, appointing the 49-year-old would be a bold move. And from Keane’s perspective, it would be a huge challenge.
Celtic have fallen miles behind Rangers this season, easily surrendering their SPFL title to their great rivals and missing out on ten in a row in the process. The Bhoys also endured a very poor campaign in Europe as they finished rock bottom of their Europa League group, showing the kind of rebuilding job the ex-Ipswich and Sunderland manager would have on his hands.
Ever since Emile Smith Rowe was thrust into the starting line-up against Chelsea towards the end of 2020, Arsenal have looked a completely different team.
They’ve rattled off five wins in six games, and the England youth international was in superb form once again in his side’s Premier League win over Newcastle on Monday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the end, and whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck two goals and was awarded the Man of the Match award by Sky Sports for his performance, it was Smith Rowe who arguably stole the show.
The 20-year-old was once again deployed in the number ten role, something that held even more significance given Mesut Ozil’s imminent departure to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
And Smith Rowe was the creative hub of the Gunners as they ground Newcastle down in the first-half, and then opened them up in the second.
Aside from a glorious run and cut-back for Bukayo Saka’s goal, the Arsenal academy product also provided four key passes on the night – the most of any Gunners ace, and as much as the entire Newcastle team combined. It was his choice and timing of passing that really stood out, never trying to force things and always making sure he moved things forward for his side.
Speaking after the game, Arteta described both Saka and Smith Rowe as “extraordinary”, whilst Jamie Carragher raved about him on punditry duty for Sky Sports.
He said: “You feel like he’s always in control. He’s trying to beat a man, he beats him, but he gets the composure right too, and the night belonged to Emile Smith Rowe – I thought he was outstanding.
“He looks like someone who actually plays the right pass for the team at that time. People might watch it and not think it’s very spectacular, but when you play with players like that, who always make the right decision, it’s not about looking good, it’s about helping your team-mate, giving him the ball.”
Smith Rowe’s impact cannot be understated, and with the Gunners still seemingly in the market for a new attacking midfielder – they’ve been linked with Norwich’s Emi Buendia in recent weeks – Edu faces a major headache about how he goes about doing that.
The north London side have a real talent on their hands, and the last thing he needs for his development is someone who’s just going to come in and take minutes away from him and stunt his progress. The Gunners’ technical director has a tough decision to make in this January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Arsenal heading for another Balogun disaster…
Phil Hay has reported that Robin Koch’s injury is worse than initially feared. The centre-back was substituted off after just nine minutes into their latest match against Chelsea on Saturday. In what was described as a simple dead leg now requires the defender to undergo surgery on his knee.
The Athletic reporter posted on his Twitter about the ‘bad news’ that there is currently no recovery date but he is expected to be ruled out ‘for the time being’.
Koch’s injury will require fellow summer signing Diego Llorente to step up to the plate and prove his worth to both Marcelo Bielsa and Nick Hammond.
Llorente has big shoes to fill
Despite the fact Koch is also a new recruit, he has slotted into Bielsa’s squad like he has been at Elland Road for years. The German has been ever-present since his arrival and has become a favoured partner to captain Liam Cooper.
Leeds were unable to hold onto their early lead at the weekend as Chelsea’s attack cancelled out Patrick Bamford’s early opener. Llorente replaced Koch, making his first appearance for his new club but it wasn’t the ideal start to his career in England.
Now, he has chance to make amends for the Chelsea loss as he steps in alongside Cooper. With no time length specified for Koch’s recovery, the £13.5million-rated centre-back could be relied on for several weeks. If this is the case, he must ensure he makes his opportunities count or he risks being sidelined once his teammate returns from injury.
The Whites will face West Ham in their next fixture at Elland Road and Llorente will have his chance to establish himself in his new team.
In other Leeds news, Kalvin Phillips’ “perfect” moment will have Bielsa feeling positive…
One of Sam Allardyce’s former signings wants a reunion with him at West Brom, though if the Baggies have any sense, they’ll stay well clear…
What’s the word?
Speaking to ‘The Beautiful Game’ podcast earlier this week, ex-Everton frontman Oumar Niasse issued a ‘come-and-get-me’ plea to his old boss, Big Sam, he still remains without a club.
The 30-year-old said:
“I’m always on the phone with my agent. Big Sam is a guy I’ve worked with and we had a good relationship in his time at Everton.
“When he was appointed West Brom manager, it’s kind of something open. Right now the only thing on my mind is, if I get to a team in England, the opportunity to get on the pitch and to do exactly what I’ve been missing all this time.
“I know with Big Sam I have a good relationship, as I said. He knows how I am, he knows me personally. That can be a very good thing and, to be honest, I’m open.”
Continuing the trend
Niasse has been out of work ever since his release from the Toffees in the summer, meaning he’s not featured in a competitive fixture since a two-minute cameo last January. That’s nearly a year without playing.
His record in the top-flight is hardly inspiring, and certainly doesn’t suggest to him being the solution to their problems in front of the net – in 65 appearances, the Senegalese striker has scored only 12 goals, via Transfermarkt.
At the Hawthorns, they never seem to get the attacking department right and Luke Dowling isn’t going to buck that trend if he allows Niasse to sign on a free, nearly five years after costing Everton £16.5m amid interest from even the likes of Spurs and Chelsea.
Kenneth Zohore, Victor Anichebe, Rickie Lambert to name just a few examples. Though, a move for Niasse could bear similarities to Brown Ideye, who struggled big time in the Midlands, scoring seven goals from 31 appearances after a record-breaking £10m move.
Neither Niasse nor Ideye are your typical Big Sam target man, but rather someone adept in playing off the bigger striker and that’s just not something Albion have in their armoury right now.
Whilst at Everton, the free-agent was slammed by Noel Whelan, he said to Football Insider:
“As a player, to say no to playing Championship football is a foolish mistake. He’s going sit there rotting away, doing nothing. A real opportunity missed in my opinion and kind of stubborn, a stubborn attitude from probably a spoiled player who’s spat his dummy out. Go and play your football, go and ply your trade, go and prove people wrong.”
A stark contrast to U23 boss David Unsworth calling his attitude “incredible” and that he is “just infectious,” whilst Big Sam was always a fan at Goodison.
Dowling must look for better if he’s to give Allardyce a genuine chance of survival at West Brom.
AND in other news, Allardyce heading for FIRST Baggies mistake if he signs £26m “liability”…
This hasn’t been the best of starts to 2021 for Leeds United.
They have lost all three of their outings this term but thankfully, Marcelo Bielsa has had over a week to reflect on where things are going wrong.
On the chalkboard
One of Leeds’ biggest problems this season has been their defence. They have shipped seven times in three outings this year and have the worst record when it comes to defending set-pieces in the Premier League.
Furthermore, they have conceded the second-highest volume of goals (34) in the top-flight. Only West Brom are worse than Bielsa’s side.
Therefore, change could be brewing among the backline. If that is the case then the first man to be axed from the XI simply has to be Gjanni Alioski. The North Macedonian has struggled this term and nothing epitomises that more than the battering he received at the hands of Dan James at Old Trafford.
Though, the left-back was also abject against Brighton. Alioski made a horrendous individual error and also surrendered possession as many as 17 times. That happened to be the fourth-worst tally recorded by any Leeds player on the pitch.
We shouldn’t be surprised by this form, though. After all, he’s previously been described as a “liability” by Leeds pundit Noel Whelan.
As a result, he simply has to be dropped.
The solution
Fortunately, Leeds have received a timely injury boost over the last fortnight. Diego Llorente returned to action for Leeds U23s last week and thus, is fit to be in the squad to face Brighton.
The Spaniard has played just once since penning terms last summer but such is Leeds’ poor defensive record that he should immediately come into the side to partner Liam Cooper.
That means that Luke Ayling would finally be able to shift over to his preferred position of right-back.
The former Yeovil man has played in the middle in each of his last seven outings so it will be a welcome return to the flanks.
Stuart Dallas has been deputising at right-back but Alioski’s inconsistent form gives the Northern Irishman an opportunity to keep his place in the team and move to the left.
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It’s an area Dallas is familiar with having playing in that role on 17 occasions last season. We know that the versatile defender is Mr Consistent at Elland Road and won last season’s Players’ Player of the Year for his displays at the back.
Unlike the £3.6m-rated Alioski, Bielsa can be assured that Dallas would do a capable job on the left this evening.
AND in other news, Leeds could end four-year-long problem with swoop for £25k-p/w beast…
While Saturday's defeat has put a slight downer on the return of the Premier League for Manchester United fans, the transfer window can give them something to be excited about.
So far, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co have signed a plethora of talented players to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad, including Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.
However, while that would be more than enough for most clubs, the Red Devils now look set to welcome another potential star who could be the club's new Roy Keane.
Manchester United transfer news
According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, United are now incredibly close to securing the services of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Italian journalist has revealed that, as long as Scott McTominay's transfer to Napoli goes as planned, the Red Devils will complete the signing of the Uruguayan ace on a permanent transfer.
Romano does not mention a potential price in his update, but reports throughout the summer have consistently claimed any deal would require the three-time European Champions to pay £51m for the £101k-per-week 23-year-old.
Manuel Ugarte for PSG
It's not a cheap transfer, but adding the tough tackling international into the heart of Ten Hag's midfield should make the team a far more imposing proposition to the opposition, and the player could be the Dutchman's own Keane.
Why Ugarte could be Ten Hag's Keane
Okay, so when you think of Keane, what are the first things that tend to come to mind?
For most fans, it will probably be an image of a stereotypical 'hardman.' The type of midfielder who intimidated his opponents before the game had even started and then clattered into them as soon as possible to let them know he meant business.
However, while that would certainly be an apt description for part of the Irishman's game, he was also far more technical than people often give him credit for. After all, you don't thrive at Old Trafford simply because you're great at smashing into opposing midfielders.
That said, one of the characteristics that Ugarte shares with the former United great is his toughness, as, like the Cork-born icon, he's not afraid to make a tackle.
In fact, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the former Sporting CP ace sits in the top 1% of midfielders for tackles and dribblers tackled and the top 2% for interceptions, ball recoveries and tackles won per 90.
Tackles
4.19
Top 1%
Dribblers Tackled
1.85
Top 1%
Medium Pass Completion %
95.1 %
Top 1%
Ball Recoveries
7.81
Top 2%
Tackles Won
2.34
Top 2%
Long Pass Completion %
83.1%
Top 2%
Interceptions
1.97
Top 2%
Pass Completion %
90.9%
Top 4%
However, also like the player he'll hope to emulate, he's no slouch with the ball at his feet, sitting in the top 1% for his medium pass completion percentage, the top 2% of midfielders for long pass completion percentage and the top 4% for his overall pass completion percentage.
The last thing the 23-year-old "defensive monster", as Statman Dave dubbed him, shares with the midfield legend is his tendency to pick up a yellow card.
Manuel Ugarte in action for Sporting
In fact, his tally of 47 yellow cards in 200 appearances to date means he's averaging one every 4.25 games, whereas the former Nottingham Forest ace picked up 99 in 612 appearances, or one every 6.18 games.
Ultimately, there won't ever be another Keane, but if Ten Hag wants to secure the services of the next best thing, then bringing Ugarte to Old Trafford this summer would be a great start.
Man Utd hit gold on "monster" Ten Hag signing who's worth more than Ugarte
He’ll be hoping to make a significant impact this year…
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer – and the South Korean could replace £60m flop Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.
Would Kim Min-Jae be a good signing for Chelsea?
According to 90min, Napoli could be forced to sell the powerful centre-back this summer, with Chelsea among those interested in bringing him to the Premier League.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all also thought to be in the running, while Chelsea are said to have sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old play this month – and could bring him to Stamford Bridge for as little as €45m (£39m) due to a release clause in his contract, which is only eligible in the first two weeks of the upcoming transfer window.
Since joining from Fenerbahce last summer, the six foot three defender has gone on to make 34 appearances in Serie A for Luciano Spalletti's side, contributing two goals and two assists with a superb 7.10 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
Reece James is currently ranked as the top performer at Stamford Bridge with a 7.07 average rating, which emphasises just how impressive Kim has been in his first season in Italy.
He also averaged a 7.20 rating in the Champions League as Napoli reached the quarter-finals, so clearly has what it takes to play at the very top level.
Former Manchester United man Park Ji-sung was full of praise for his compatriot earlier in the campaign, saying:
"Extraordinary, what a talent. He took the right step by going to play in Turkey and showed himself ready to take a step forward. He didn't come directly to Italy but step by step, so he grew up and there is no doubt that he is doing extraordinary things, as a technical leader and personality in Naples".
Teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also dubbed him as an "iron barrel" and described him as one of the best in the world, so he could certainly be a quality addition to Chelsea's squad this summer if he can live up to that praise.
Could Kim Min-Jae replace Cucurella at Chelsea?
One concern for Todd Boehly is the number of defensive options already at Stamford Bridge but if he were able to complete a deal for the former Beijing Guoan star, perhaps it could see Cucurella moved on.
The Spanish defender joined from Brighton last summer but has endured a difficult first season in west London, with WhoScored ranking him as the 15th-best performer in Chelsea's squad.
Often utilised as a left-sided centre-back, Cucurella hasn't looked comfortable at all in recent months and his lack of defensive awareness was cruelly exposed in the Champions League defeat against Real Madrid.
Given the competition for places at Chelsea and Boehly's demands for a better 2023/24 season, the 24-year-old is surely a prime candidate to be moved on this summer, especially if it can fund a move for Kim.
The South Korean has averaged far more interceptions, clearances and blocks per game than Cucurella so far this term, so would be a far more natural centre-back for Mauricio Pochettino to have at Stamford Bridge, making him a fine target Boehly should definitely try to sign.