All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur endured one of the Premier League's most incredible matches of the season yesterday, as they battled from 3-0 down to draw level at the death, only for a Lucas Moura error to gift Liverpool the 4-3 win in added time.

In a moment that sent Anfield into pandemonium, the Brazilian winger was forced to hang his head in shame as his teammates sought to console him.

This now marked his second big error in as many Premier League games, as just four matches earlier he had come from the bench to receive a straight red vs Everton too.

Despite that, it was actually another winger who proved to be the true villain for Ryan Mason, who will come away once again proud of his side's fight and desire, but with little to show for it.

Dejan Kulusevski endured a particularly anonymous and profligate afternoon when he easily could have had a say in ensuring they earned something from the match, had he performed at all.

How did Dejan Kulusevski play vs Liverpool?

It is a testament to how poorly the 23-year-old played that he was hooked after just 66 minutes in Merseyside, with his productivity deemed nowhere near the desired level.

The fact it was for midfielder Pape Matar Sarr only further emphasises this.

However, with just 27 touches during his whole time on the pitch, this should hardly come as a surprise, as even Fraser Forster in the Lilywhites net touched the ball more times (35).

This inability to get involved crept into his work rate too, which suffered. The winger would be dribbled past three times and lost 85% of the seven duels competed in.

Despite such a lack of impact on the game, the on-loan Juventus speedster still forged a golden chance to score after being set free, seeking to wrong-foot Alisson before being denied.

That was about the extent of his attacking contribution though, as the rest of the game consisted of just one key pass and a 33% dribble success rate; creatively all out of ideas.

Yesterday was far from the first of his bad days too, as this campaign has seen Kulusevski score just twice in the league, with his last goal coming back in mid-January.

Given in just half a season last year he would score five and assist eight across just 18 Premier League appearances, it seems that Spurs are getting far from the best version of the £110k-per-week dud of late.

Whilst still young and therefore viable to go through rough patches, it is made all the more frustrating that this has coincided with one of the darkest periods in the club's recent history. If anything, it is only further exacerbating his anonymity.

Perhaps, with Richarlison netting his first Premier League goal for the club late on, Kulusevski could benefit from a run out of the team at the expense of the Brazilian.

It could just be a masterstroke from Mason to do so, igniting a fire in the Swede ahead of the run-in.

Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Arne Slot has become slightly more likely to get the Spurs job after rising up their manager list.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The north Londoners are working to appoint Antonio Conte's successor in the background of their hunt for a top four Premier League finish.

Spurs could be seen as outside contenders to seal Champions League qualification after recent results, and if they fail to do so, chairman Daniel Levy may face a difficult task in trying to persuade world football's most elite coaches.

Julian Nagelsmann, another managerial target for Spurs, apparently sees Europe as a deal-breaker if he is to take the Spurs job so Levy and co may well need to prepare for alternative options if that is the case.

Tottenham have compiled a list of candidates for the job, with Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique, Ange Postecoglou and Slot featuring in their thinking.

The latter manager has performed brilliantly at Feyenoord this season, prompting Spurs to take note and consider a move for him.

Sharing an update on Tottenham's links to the 44-year-old, a report by Soccer News now claims that Slot 'rises one place' on Spurs' list of candidates as he becomes more likely to get the job.

This is partly due to Chelsea and Todd Boehly effectively ruling out a move for tactician, and while Tottenham still prefer other coaches, Slot's odds have increased.

While he is a step behind for the time being, it's claimed that Spurs do see him as an 'interesting option'.

What could Slot bring to Spurs?

The former AZ Alkmaar boss has shone at Feyenoord this season, guiding them to top of the Eredivisie standings whilst losing just once all season.

Slot has also been heralded by Dutch football experts, like Marcel van der Kraan, who have raved over his attacking philosophy.

Van Der Kraan said this on the manager to talkSPORT recently:

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine.“I don’t think he will leave now with three trophies up for grabs, but in the summer, big chances.”

It's little surprise he is in Levy's thinking based off plaudits like this, and it will be interesting to see if he rises further on Tottenham's list.

As a fourth goal sailed past Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal, resigning them to a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, it essentially marked the end of their push for the Premier League title in April.

Such is the relentless perfection of Pep Guardiola's winning machine, they are now just five games away from once again claiming the crown, with a Champions League semi-final and an FA Cup final to come. There have been few teams like them, and there are unlikely be many more to succeed them.

That makes the Gunners' feat to compete with them for as long as they did so admirable, but the manner of their collapse even more frustrating.

The title was not lost on that night at the Etihad, but in the three draws that preceded it. A lack of squad depth has hopelessly hampered Mikel Arteta's side, and thus attention has already seemingly moved on to the summer. There will be hope that the Spaniard can add the requisite quality to ensure they do not befall the same fate as they have this campaign.

Unsurprisingly headlining their list of potential acquisitions is Declan Rice, who continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates. However, amidst all the potential deals, the news that promising youngster Charlie Patino is seeking an exit has perhaps gone without proper attention.

The 19-year-old was one of many shining lights of Hale End, poised to one day star in the first team. Had he seen a pathway into regular senior football, which many might have assumed Bukayo Saka provided, perhaps that might still have been the case.

Who is Charlie Patino?

Having joined the club at the age of 11, the teenage sensation has long been earmarked for success. Outlined as a "silky smooth central midfielder" on Arsenal's official website, it was agreed that the opportunity to ply his trade on loan at Blackpool was the best course of action for a career that had seemingly outgrown youth football.

Starring as a mesmeric metronome-like presence in the engine room of both the U18s and later the U21s, it even earned him two senior call-ups that afforded him the chance to score as well.

The Seasiders would have been delighted to welcome such a talented prospect to the club for their campaign, and despite succumbing to relegation, he has remained a fine operator.

Featuring 33 times in the Championship, a 6.83 average rating has been upheld by a year of defensive excellence. Recording 1.5 interceptions and two tackles per game, the Englishman would also muster two goals and four assists to cap off a fine season, via Sofascore.

This has seen him thrive even when compared to other midfielders across Europe, as he manages to ranks in the top 6% for both interceptions and blocks.

Performances like these do not go unnoticed, with Fulham youngster George Okkas telling London World (via Arsenal Core):

"Charlie Patino whose quality is out of this world. Technically, wow."

It is baffling to see such a fine defensive midfielder within their ranks seemingly allowed to leave this summer, instead of simply offering him the assurances he desires. It could save them the potential British transfer record fee that David Moyes suggested they would need to smash.

Is Charlie Patino like Declan Rice?

Everyone knows the quality that Rice brings to the table, as a composed destroyer in the heart of midfield.

Bursting with personality and adored by many, Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith was particularly full of praise just last month after he had notched against AFC Bournemouth:

"Declan Rice, he's like two players for West Ham, he's unbelievable. For me, world-class."

This shows up in his numbers, which bare a marked resemblance to Patino's area of expertise.

As a shining light in West Ham United's otherwise dismal campaign, the 24-year-old's 7.20 rating is maintained by his 1.1 key passes, 1.8 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

However, when compared within the same European bracket as his potential teenage alternative, he ranks in the top 3% for interceptions but only in the top 49% for blocks. This is likely due to his role being more creative, but the on-loan youngster's star qualities cannot be ignored.

With mouth-watering and record fees touted for the England international, it is understandable why he is so sought-after. Every successful team needs a midfielder like Rice in their team.

However, for the money the Hammers will command, and the quality they already boast in Patino, it seems foolish to chase the biggest name on the market now when other areas perhaps require more attention.

Surely Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka could hold down the fort for a few more years until the Hale End graduate has been allowed to mature, investing elsewhere for now.

All it takes is that leap of faith to nurture truly great talent, which is exactly what gave Rice his break in east London. The rest is now history.

Tottenham Hotspur manager contender Julian Nagelsmann is still the favourite to land the role in north London, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Julian Nagelsmann?

The Telegraph have revealed that enticing Nagelsmann to take over at Hotspur Way will come at a hefty price, with Spurs potentially having to pay over £10 million in compensation to hire the 35-year-old.

Nagelsmann, who has been hailed as "elite", is still technically on gardening leave at Bayern Munich following their decision to part ways with the German coach to hire Thomas Tuchel back in March, signifying that he is still technically employed at the Allianz Arena.

As per The Daily Mail, Brentford technical director Lee Dykes has been earmarked as a potential replacement for former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici alongside Johannes Spors, who has also been linked with the role.

Before deciding whether or not to take over at Spurs, Nagelsmann wants to know who he will be working with in terms of recruitment. The future of Lilywhites talisman Harry Kane is also something he wants assurances over amid interest from the Premier League and around Europe in the 29-year-old.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has signalled that Nagelsmann is still the frontrunner to assume the vacancy in north London and replace Antonio Conte.

Jones said: “Ultimately, Nagelsmann still seems like the guy in pole position for that job. “So, unless something falls down with Nagelsmann or one of the parties gets cold feet, he will remain the favourite for the job.”

What issues need to be solved at Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

First and foremost, the future of Harry Kane needs to be sorted out before too long. As per Football Insider, Manchester United view the England international as their 'number one priority and top target' this summer.

Chelsea also retain an interest in the forward and prospective new boss Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be keen on reuniting with the forward at Stamford Bridge as his contract nears its final year at Spurs.

Tottenham have also been devoid of creativity at times this season, which is something that will need to be looked at when considering potential incomings ahead of 2023/24.

Iliman Ndiaye and Kang-in Lee have both been linked in recent times, though it remains to be seen what will happen come the off-season.

Loanees Arnaut Danjuma, Dejan Kulusevski and Clement Lenglet also find themselves in situations that need to be clarified in the forthcoming window, making it a busy time for whoever Spurs' new boss may be.

Newcastle United are interested in Khephren Thuram "above all" other clubs, and they want to get a deal done quickly, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Which midfield signings could Newcastle make?

Newcastle have a number of targets at central midfield, including West Ham United captain Declan Rice, however, given the level of interest in his signature, they will consider signing Scott McTominay if they miss out on the England international.

The PIF are also eyeing an ambitious move for Juventus' Adrien Rabiot, amid the Frenchman's uncertain future with the Serie A club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and no new deal on the horizon at the moment.

The Magpies have been looking at Thuram for quite some time now, with The Athletic reporting he was an option for Eddie Howe at the back end of March, and their interest in the Nice star now appears to be growing.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Galetti claimed that the Frenchman is a target for a number of top clubs, but Newcastle are emerging as the most interested party.

The journalist said: "Khéphren Thuram is a midfielder who has enjoyed very good performances with Nice this season and is attracting the attention of many clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and at the moment above all Newcastle.

"To beat the fierce competition the Magpies want to speed things up, especially relating to the high possibility of qualification for the next Champions League where they want to arrive with a very competitive squad.”

What are Thuram's stats looking like ahead of possible Newcastle move?

With the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea both vying for the signature of the midfielder, it shows just how far Newcastle have come and just how ambitious PIF are as Champions League qualification edges closer.

The Italy-born maestro ranks highly among a number of key metrics for midfielders, most notably for his dribbling ability, ranking in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons, and in the 95th for progressive carries per 90 over the course of the past year.

Although he has often been utilised as a defensive midfielder this season, the 6 foot 4 colossus has proven his worth going forward, weighing in with four assists, the joint-highest amount in the Nice squad, while he has also been praised for his "excellent technique" by football scout Jacek Kulig.

There are some indications McTominay could be a better signing, defensively speaking, considering the Scot has averaged more tackles, blocks and clearances than the £14k-per-week Nice star in the last year.

However, Thuram's threat on the front foot makes him a more well-rounded player than the Manchester United ace, and he would be a solid addition to Howe's squad this summer.

Aston Villa could reportedly seal a club-record transfer for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte as early as next week.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

NSWE are set to back Unai Emery with a “huge” spending spree this summer, although the manager’s full focus is currently on the final Premier League game of the season against Brighton.

Villa are looking to qualify for the Europa Conference League on the final day, and doing that could help them in their pursuit of new signings. One player who has been linked with a move to the Midlands is Ugarte, and a further update has emerged over a possible transfer for the Uruguay international.

Sport Witness relayed a transfer update from Newspaper A Bola in the last 48 hours regarding Ugarte. They said that Villa and Tottenham are battling it out for the midfielder’s signature, with the winning side needing to pay Ugarte’s €60m release clause, a figure which would smash the current transfer record at Villa Park.

The report adds that the transfer should be closed in the days following the end of the season, as the negotiations are ‘very advanced’, with both Villa and Spurs having the chance to win the race.

However, since then, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race for the player and have discussed a deal.

Who is Manuel Ugarte?

Ugarte appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €25m Transfermarkt valuation and is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also turn out in a central midfield role.

The 22-year-old, hailed as a "midfield machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been with Sporting since 2021 and has made 85 appearances for the club, 47 of which have come during the current campaign.

As per WhoScored, Ugarte has been one of Sporting’s best-performing players this season and actually has a better average match rating than any Aston Villa player. The no-nonsense midfielder tops the charts for tackles and interceptions made per 90, while also boasting a pass completion rate of more than 91%.

Therefore, with Villa potentially playing in Europe next season, you can see why the club are looking at signing someone like Ugarte, who has turned out in both the Champions League and Europa League this season.

Who knows, whoever finishes in seventh place out of Villa and Spurs this weekend could have a better chance of winning the race for Ugarte, with a deal possibly wrapped up early next month, making this one to keep an eye on.

West Bromwich Albion ended the 2022/23 campaign just shy of the play-offs in the Championship as Carlos Corberan's side finished three points off the top six.

The Baggies missed out on a play-off place to Sunderland and the club should use the upcoming summer transfer window to bolster their side with a view to making a better fist of a promotion push in 2023/24.

One area in which they could improve is centre-forward as their top scorers – Brandon Thomas-Asante and Daryl Dike – ended the season with just seven goals in the division.

West Brom were recently linked with a possible £4m swoop to sign Blackpool striker Jerry Yates and the Englishman could come in as a big upgrade on current forward Thomas-Asante.

How did Jerry Yates perform this season?

The 26-year-old forward enjoyed a strong campaign with the Tangerines in spite of their relegation down to League One and he could be the club's missing link at the top end of the pitch.

Indeed, Yates plundered 14 goals and missed eight 'big chances' in 41 appearances for Blackpool in the Championship proving himself to be a serious threat in the final third.

The attacker, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.87, also scored eight goals in 23 starts in the league in 2021/22, indicating that he is a reliable scorer at that level.

As such, he could well be an upgrade on Thomas-Asante who averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.66 across 33 appearances in the division. He only scored seven goals and missed a whopping 12 'big chances', demonstrating that the 24-year-old was poor in front of goal, failing to make the most of the opportunities provided to him.

The misfiring marksman also failed to offer much in the way of creativity as he averaged 0.5 key passes per game and created three 'big chances' for his teammates in the Championship. Whereas, Yates produced nine 'big chances' in total and 0.8 key passes per game for Blackpool.

These statistics indicate that the 26-year-old would come in and provide more quality in the build-up than Thomas-Asante as the ex-Rotherham man has the ability to set up opportunities for others as well as being able to finish off his own.

As a result, the "immense" Yates – as dubbed by reporter Sean McGinlay – could be a big upgrade on the current West Brom number nine as his form for Blackpool proves that he could offer more in the way of goals, chance creation, and general standard of performance.

Corberan must now swoop for the Englishman and take advantage of his team's relegation from the Championship to find the Bagges' new prolific marksman for next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in making a move for Sporting CP sensation, Manuel Ugarte, albeit with the Lilywhites set to face stern competition for the midfielder's signature.

What's the latest on Ugarte to Tottenham?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, the north London outfit are seemingly set to rival both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the battle for the 22-year-old, with the Uruguayan international believed to have a €60m (£53m) release clause in his existing deal in Lisbon.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Manuel #Ugarte update. #Chelsea had the first contacts with #SportingCP and continue to push for him; #PSG – still interested – have to solve the topic of the coach before;

#Tottenham in the race, but – to date – their internal situation is quite complicated."

That 'complicated' situation may well be that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is yet to name a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, despite having sacked the Italian at the end of March.

Who is Manuel Ugarte?

The promising midfielder has been a real standout figure for Ruben Amorim's side in recent times, with the 6-foot ace having been hailed as a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig amid his eye-catching form.

Lauded by journalist Raj Chohan as an "in-house" replacement for ex-teammate Joao Palhinha – who starred for Fulham this season after finishing top of the pile for tackles made – the emerging gem is evidently a truly monstrous midfield presence, offering the ability to provide an effective screen in front of the back four.

If Levy was to secure Ugarte's services ahead of next season, the Montevideo native could potentially represent something of an upgrade on current Spurs man, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, due to the younger man's superior ball-winning prowess.

That difference in quality between the pair is showcased by the fact that the Sporting star averaged a mammoth 3.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the Primeira Liga in 2022/23, with Hojbjerg, by contrast, only averaging 1.6 and 1.4 for those same two metrics, respectively, in that time.

It was also Ugarte who ranked first in the Champions League for average tackles made per game (4.8), while the former Famalicao ace also appears a more composed presence on the ball as he recorded an average pass accuracy rate of 92% in the Portuguese top-flight, in contrast to just 89% for Tottenham's Danish asset.

The latter man has also been criticised for his lack of impact at N17 of late, with talkSPORT pundit Perry Groves stating that the 27-year-old – and teammate Oliver Skipp – are "like a double appendix" as they "don't do anything in the centre of midfield".

Those struggles have contributed to Tottenham's overall woes this term – having missed out on European qualification – hence the need to land an upgrade such as Ugarte ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaronson could seal a quickfire exit from Elland Road in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

How has Aaronson performed for Leeds?

The 22-year-old joined the Whites last summer, coming in from RB Salzburg and being considered an exciting signing, with Jesse Marsch knowing him well from their time together at the Austrian club.

As it turns out, Aaronson has endured a really tough first season in a Leeds shirt, though, never really coming close to matching to expectation levels of him. In 36 Premier League appearances, 28 of which were starts, he scored just one goal, with a further three assists coming his way.

The £45,000-a-week American has seemingly struggled with the pace of English football and he ended up being powerless to prevent the Whites from being relegated to the Championship last weekend, after the 4-1 loss at home to Tottenham.

While the deal he signed last year runs until the summer of 2027, the idea of playing second-tier football is unlikely to appeal to him ahead of next season, leading to serious doubts surrounding his future at Elland Road.

Could Aaronson quit Whites this summer?

That certainly seems to be the case, with Football Insider reporting that Aaronson is "set to quit the club this summer", and that a "move to Germany could be an avenue available to the 22-year-old following his impressive spell at Red Bull Salzburg in neighbouring Austria."

He is thought to be "highly regarded" by a number of Bundesliga teams, with a return to the Premier League with a different club not looking likely, following just one year in the division.

It is hard to see Aaronson still being a Leeds player when the 2023/24 campaign gets underway in August, in what has ultimately been a hugely underwhelming transfer.

Despite being called "impressive" on his debut by Steve Nicol, he hasn't had anywhere close to the impact so many hoped he would, having registered 28 goal contributions (13 goals and 15 assists) in 66 appearances for Salzburg, and he should shoulder some of the blame for the Whites' relegation.

The key now is to ensure that Leeds earn as much as possible for the 29-cap USA international's signature – his contract situation does at least put them in a strong bargaining position – in order to use the funds for new signings in the summer, boosting their chances of returning to the top flight in the process.

Everton will need to add some quality new additions to avoid another Premier League relegation battle next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Harry Maguire?

According to Football Transfers, Everton are one of the clubs interested in securing the signing of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.

As per the report, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa joining the Toffees in their interest in signing Maguire and will need to pay £35m to snap up his services this summer.

It is claimed that Maguire is desperate for first-team football ahead of Euro 2024 next summer, so is assessing his options with both Premier League and European clubs at present.

Would Harry Maguire be a good signing for Everton?

There is no doubt that the Blues are crying out for some quality in their squad after suffering their second consecutive relegation scrap at the bottom of the table this season.

The Toffees finished 17th with just two points sparing them on the final day from a drop into the Championship for the first time in Premier League history and now Sean Dyche will head into his first summer transfer window at Goodison Park with a number of key areas to address.

Indeed, the signing of prolific forwards will be Everton's highest priority this summer, however, finding a worthy partner to join James Tarkowski to form a dream centre-back partnership would be hugely advantageous in their pursuit of competing more comfortably moving forward.

As a result, the signing of Man United skipper Maguire could be exactly what Dyche needs to bring in a player who has a wealth of Premier League experience and the profile to fit perfectly into the former Burnley boss' footballing philosophy.

Despite finding himself largely out of favour this season at Old Trafford, the England ace still ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for aerial duels won, blocks, touches and progressive carries, outlining his ability as a bullish but modern centre-half.

Not only that, Maguire has tallied up an 87% pass completion rate and successfully completed 67% of his dribbles over 16 top-flight appearances this season, as well as averaging 2.6 clearances, 42.4 touches, and winning 2.4 duels, all while only averaging 49 minutes per game.

The 30-year-old misfit may be having a tough time competing for a starting spot under Erik ten Hag but has still drawn high praise from his Dutch coach after his performance in the Europa League a few months ago:

"He's more dominant and dictating, he's taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictating of the game."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Everton to strike up a deal to sign Maguire this summer, as the centre-back could bring some great assets and match the quality of Tarkowski in the back-line.