All posts by h716a5.icu

A number of fans online have slammed Cristiano Ronaldo after footage emerged of him throwing a bit of a tantrum following Al-Nassr’s recent draw.

What’s the latest Cristiano Ronaldo news at Al-Nassr?

The 38-year-old is now very much in the twilight of his career and subsequently left the Premier League and Manchester United in the winter for a new challenge outside of Europe for the first time in his career.

Indeed, he went off to play in the Saudi Pro League but things haven’t necessarily quite gone to plan for the Portuguese international.

Undoubtedly, his goalscoring quality still remains – having netted 11 times and picked up two assists in his first ten league outings – but that doesn’t mean Al-Nassr have flourished.

Indeed, while his new side moved top of the table as he made his debut they now sit second in the Saudi top flight, three points behind Al-Ittihad.

Their rivals managed to pick up a 2-1 win on the weekend, but the same could not be said of Ronaldo and co.

Indeed, much to the striker’s frustration, Al-Nassr were held to a 0-0 draw away from home against 11th-placed (of 16 teams) Al Feiha.

After the game, Ronaldo couldn’t hide his anger as footage shared by Sky Sports captured his anger as he stormed off the pitch.

The former Real Madrid star apparently earns an astonishing £3.6m-p/w at his current club but money can’t buy happiness as this recent clip proves.

Fans online saw the footage and they didn’t exactly hold back on their criticism. Here are some of the reactions…

Some seemed to think it was perhaps time to hang up his boots.

While others simply noted that it was perhaps best he is no longer at Manchester United.

Reece James is becoming a bit of a liability at Chelsea, with his injury issues no doubt a huge frustration for those at Stamford Bridge.

What is Reece James' injury history?

There is no doubt that when the England international is fully fit, he is one of the best in the world in his position, evidenced by his impressive return of five goals and nine assists in just 26 Premier League appearances last season.

Yet he is now more often injured than fit and has managed just 12 top-flight appearances so far this campaign, with the 23-year-old's potential arguably going to waste because of his woeful injury record, which has seen him spend a worrying amount of time on the sidelines during his Chelsea career.

Indeed, the full-back has suffered from four separate incidents of illness and injury this term, meaning that through his time in the capital, he's missed a whopping 370 days of action.

Graham Potter has utilised the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back this season in James' absence but neither can be seen as a serious threat to the 23-year-old as a long-term option in that position at Stamford Bridge.

However, next season, the former Brighton boss will be able to call upon January signing Malo Gusto, whose impressive displays in Ligue 1 with Lyon suggest that he could eventually replace James in Chelsea's starting side.

Who is Malo Gusto?

Chelsea confirmed the signing of Gusto from Lyon in January in a deal worth £35.1m before sending him back to the French side on loan for the rest of the campaign.

It is easy to see why the Blues were willing to spend such a significant fee on the 19-year-old, who looks set to be another top talent to emerge from the "superb" academy with Les Gones.

This campaign has seen the "very dangerous" teenage defender – as dubbed by journalist Bobby Vincent – make 17 appearances in the French top flight, contributing one assist and averaging an excellent 7.03 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

For context, only N'Golo Kante, Enzo Fernandez and James have averaged better in Potter's squad so far this term, which emphasises the quality that the French youngster could add at Stamford Bridge next season.

Gusto looks as if he could be an ideal heir to Chelsea's star academy graduate in west London when you consider his FBref scouting report, which ranks him in the top 10% of full-backs in Europe's top five divisions for expected assists, passes attempted, progressive carries and progressive passes received.

Unless James can overcome his injury issues at Chelsea, he will never be able to reach his immense potential, and if he continues to prove an unreliable option in Potter's side, the English manager could eventually prioritise the promising Gusto instead. He is yet to earn his maiden cap in west London, but next season has his name written all over it.

Newcastle United's Swedish striker Alexander Isak has revealed club legend Alan Shearer contacted him after joining the Toon to tell him what it meant to play for the Magpies.

What did Shearer say to Isak?

The Swede arrived in the summer from Real Sociedad on the back of a club-record transfer which is believed to be worth in the area of £63m.

So pressure will have been high on the young striker, who has since come of age in the Premier League having battled his injury issues.

But it seems as if he has had the league's all-time record goalscorer there to help him along the way since making the move to Tyneside last summer.

Indeed, speaking to the media, the 23-year-old has revealed the contact he has had with Shearer as a Newcastle player and the advice he has been provided:

“He is very, very involved. Shearer is really passionate about the club and you can see it. Before the cup final, Alan was down and talked to us. Gave tips and of course, it helps us. Especially for me as a striker," he said.

“Even when I signed for the club, he told me what Newcastle means and what it means to be a striker for that club.”

Should Isak start ahead of Wilson?

Over the last number of weeks, the Swede has begun to establish himself as the starting striker in Eddie Howe's XI ahead of Callum Wilson.

The Englishman has also had his struggles this season and injuries haven't really been a huge concern but his form certainly has been.

In the Premier League, Wilson has only been able to provide a return of seven goals with only one of them coming since October last year (via Transfermarkt).

In comparison, injuries have been a major issue for Isak this season. His fitness problems have seen the 23-year-old miss a large chunk of the season.

However, in his limited game time, the striker has seriously impressed having bagged six league goals in just over 600 minutes of action (via Transfermarkt).

The goals have seen him establish himself in Howe's side and his goals-per-minute ratio has only been bettered by that of Manchester City's Erling Haaland this season.

Newcastle's £120k-per-week man was described as "frightening" by Kieran Trippier following his brace last week, but it is not just his goals which have impressed.

Isak also helped out defensively with four clearances which will certainly go down well with the Newcastle faithful and Shearer who hailed his display as "magnificent".

Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Midfield additions essential

The Reds have a huge summer transfer window ahead of them, with major reinforcements required in order to overcome a huge slump this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s squad has started to grow old together, and with a lack of younger signings coming in, it seems to have taken its toll both physically and mentally.

Liverpool’s midfield has been particularly out-of-sorts, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson looking past their best and the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all not offering enough, both in terms of consistency and availability.

Jude Bellingham continues to be linked with a big-money move to Anfield, with the Borussia Dortmund sensation one of numerous midfielders linked with a summer move, but more than one player needs to come in in that area of the pitch.

The Latest: Liverpool scouting Ward-Prowse

According to Football Insider, Ward-Prowse has emerged as a potential option for Liverpool, with the report stating that the Reds have ‘sent scouts’ to watch him in action.

Newcastle United and Manchester United are also mentioned as possible suitors, however, with the 28-year-old almost certain to leave Southampton if they are relegated from the Premier League.

Ward-Prowse’s current deal with Saints runs until the summer of 2026, so it seems unlikely that he would be able to arrive on the cheap.

The Verdict: Is he too old?

There is no denying Ward-Prowse’s ability as a top-flight player, having been such an influential star for Saints over an extended period of time, making 399 appearances for them in total.

In that time, he has scored 53 goals and registered 51 assists, catching the eye with his free-kick ability.

Ward-Prowse could easily be a good signing for Liverpool – Oriol Romeu called him an ‘unbelievable’ player last year – but the one issue is his age, with the Reds in need of younger midfielders who can be long-term signings.

The two-goal England international turns 29 in November and is only a year younger than Fabinho, for example, and there is a risk that he comes in and drifts past his peak too quickly.

It could be that Ward-Prowse comes in and plays at a top level for five years but it isn’t a risk worth taking, with the likes of Bellingham (19), Matheus Nunes (24) and Mason Mount (24) younger, more sensible options.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in a possible summer transfer swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.

The Lowdown: €120m bid?

Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new forward this summer and has made it one of the club’s top transfer priorities alongside a new midfielder.

Kolo Muani appears to be on the shortlist of potential options in the final third, with the 24-year-old contributing to 30 goals in 34 games during the current campaign.

Recent reports have even suggested that the Red Devils are the ‘first top club to prepare an official mega offer’ for the France international and want to make a proposal of €120m (£105m) for the player in what would be a record move at Old Trafford.

Frankfurt ‘would let the striker go’ for over €100m (£88m), with Paris Saint-Germain also thought to be interested in Kolo Muani and therefore, competition to United.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s post

Plettenberg took to Twitter in the last 48 hours following reports of a potential €120m offer. The Sky Sports reporter couldn’t confirm the news of a record proposal but did say that Kolo Muani is ‘definitely on the list’ of options, although United seemingly rate Victor Osimhen higher.

‘News Kolo Muani: Can’t confirm that MUFC is preparing an €120m offer for Muani. Been told that he’s definitely on the list as a possible transfer target for summer. But internally Osimhen is rated higher than Muani. Osimhen is one of the clubs main priority!’

The Verdict: Osimhen over Kolo Muani

Both forwards have enjoyed brilliant seasons in front of goal this season, with Osimhen scoring 23 times in 28 games for Serie A side Napoli, while also registering five assists.

The Nigeria international actually came out on top against Kolo Muani and Frankfurt in the Champions League, scoring three goals in a 5-0 aggregate last 16 win.

The pair are the same age, however, Osimhen has scored more goals than Kolo Muani and appears to be a more reliable forward, hitting double figures for goals in each of his previous five seasons compared to Kolo Muani’s two.

Either player may demand a high transfer fee, so it is key that United get this addition spot on, as it could prove to be the missing piece in Ten Hag’s Old Trafford jigsaw, with the United boss having just Anthony Martial and loanee Wout Weghorst on the books as centre-forward options at this moment in time.

Aston Villa will traverse toward London to face off against West Ham United in the Premier League this afternoon, with manager Unai Emery hoping to make it three successive victories in the division.

Villa have been impressive under Emery’s wing, casting aside the cobwebs of a poor start under Steven Gerrard and now boasting 34 points from 25 matches, three points off tenth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.

Defeating Everton and Crystal Palace in the past two top-flight encounters, the Claret & Blue have kept consecutive clean sheets and go into the game against the Hammers knowing they can move within two points of European contention with a win, with West Ham currently languishing in the relegation zone, one point from safety.

Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho are all injured for the visitors, while industrious midfielder Leander Dendoncker is a doubt, leaving Emery sweating over the central partnership to combat the Irons engine.

How will Aston Villa line up against West Ham?

Considering this, here is how Football FanCast expects Aston Villa to line up at the London Stadium, with Emery making as many as three changes from the side that narrowly defeated the struggling Eagles last time out.

(4-4-2) – (GK) Martinez; (RB) Cash, (CB) Konsa, (CB) Mings, (LB) Digne; (RM) McGinn, (CM) Chambers, (CM) Luiz, (LM) Ramsey; (CF) Watkins, (CF) Bailey.

Emiliano Martinez will hold his unwavering position between the sticks, with a back four consisting of regular centre-back pairing Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Wings; on the left, Lucas Digne could reclaim his place in the side after sitting on the bench against Palace.

With the 6-foot “phenomenon” that is Kamara – as praised by former team-mate Rolando – and Dendoncker both injured, Emery might be forced to unleash Calum Chambers in the centre of the park alongside assiduous engine Douglas Luiz, who was subject to a £25m summer bid from Arsenal.

John McGinn might occupy the unconventional position on the right flank, having impressed with a 7.1 match rating last time out, as per Sofascore, while the £70k-per-week Jacob Ramsey will hope to score his first goal since November from the alternating wing.

The previously “dangerous” Emi Buendia – as dubbed by Andy Jones – struggled to make an impact last week with just one key pass, so the 5 foot 8 maestro could drop out.

As such, Leon Bailey returns to the starting fold, hailed as “fantastic” by former boss Gerrard but not quite hitting the blistering heights as expected at Villa Park, with the in-form Ollie Watkins adopting the central talismanic role.

Newcastle United are in the frame to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Scouting mission

The Spaniard’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2026, but being Carlos Carvalhal’s second-best-performing offensive player, he has caught the eye of potential suitors in the Premier League.

AS previously reported that the Magpies are hot on the heels of the 20-year-old and have even had their scouts following him, with PIF and Eddie Howe firmly in the race to secure his services.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Veiga

According to fresh reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), Newcastle and Manchester United are both ‘in the picture’ to sign Veiga ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The starlet has ‘aroused interest’ from St. James’ Park, and it’s worth noting that he has a €40m (£35m) release clause included in his contract.

Celta are hopeful that they will be able to keep hold of him, but it’s clear that his ‘mind could be changed’ should he receive a ‘stratospheric offer’.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Veiga has been described as a ‘very interesting box-to-box midfielder’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he would be a wonderful signing for the future of Newcastle.

The O Porrino native has eight goals and three assists to his name in 23 La Liga appearances this term, highlighting the threat he can provide when attacking from the centre.

The Magpies target also ranks in the 99th percentile for shots, non-penalty expected goals and non-penalty goals when compared with other central midfielders, showing the type of end product he could inject into Howe’s struggling attack.

Veiga’s flexibility to operate in six different positions will be an extremely attractive attribute to the manager as well, making him the ideal candidate to put pen to paper in the northeast.

Today will represent a huge test for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side.

Swept aside so easily by Real Madrid at Anfield a week and a half ago, they are actually in vibrant form in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Reds have are unbeaten in their last four league fixtures and have not conceded a single goal in that time.

It marks that 5-2 defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s men as an anomaly but only if they don’t suffer a similar fate against Manchester United.

The Red Devils are one of the most in-form and free-scoring sides around with Marcus Rashford possessing the ability to terrify and terrorise any defence he sets his eyes upon.

For a side so easily undone by the likes of Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema several days ago, they will have to be at their best.

How can Liverpool beat Man United?

Klopp has several selection dilemmas heading into today’s clash with Erik ten Hag’s men.

How he selects his defence will be of particular interest with so many recent clean sheets. Of course, the great Virgil van Dijk is an automatic pick but he could be paired alongside either Joel Matip or Ibrahima Konate.

There are dilemmas in midfield too where Jordan Henderson was only a substitute in the 2-0 win over Wolves.

Whether Diogo Jota keeps his place too is worth a discussion with Cody Gakpo and Roberto Firmino waiting in the wings.

That said, there are two players who must come out of the team if Liverpool are to boost their chances at Anfield this afternoon.

The first decision should be a no-brainer with Andy Robertson being re-called to replace Kostas Tsimikas.

In truth, the Greek full-back barely put a foot wrong in that win over Wolves. Hailed by some as their man of the match, he was “excellent” in the words of prominent Liverpool source DaveOCKOP, having assisted Mohamed Salah’s goal and attempted five crosses on the night.

It was a typical Liverpool full-back’s display as the £50k-per-week earner lost the ball on 18 occasions as a marker of his attempts to be creative.

He may well have made an impact but Klopp’s trusty lieutenant in Robertson simply has to come back into the XI.

The same should be said of Henderson who could well replace Harvey Elliott this afternoon.

He saw a couple of first-half chances go ‘awry’ in the words of GOAL’s Peter McVitie v Wolves, only earning a 6/10 match rating and despite his endeavour and energy, experience could be the order of the day against United.

Henderson, despite his decreasing stock, is still a reliable pair of hands for a match like this and should do a greater job of retaining possession and maintaining the tempo.

For all of Elliott’s willingness to make something happen, the £40k-per-week youngster did lose possession 16 times last time out, a notably high number for a midfield player.

By comparison, Henderson has only lost possession on average nine times per match in the top flight this season.

The middle of the park has been a contentious issue this term and with a battle against the might of Casemiro in mind, is likely to be where the game is won and lost.

Scottish champions Celtic continue to soar under manager Ange Postecoglou, with the title-winning coach having worked wonders at Parkhead thus far as a result of his front-foot play style and astute dealings in the transfer market.

The 57-year-old has notably utilised his J-League connections to secure the signings of the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate over the past year or so, with that trio among a crop of additions who have been pivotal in reviving the club’s fortunes, following the dour end to Neil Lennon’s second spell in charge.

Such success with regard to recruitment has evidently not always been the norm for the Old Firm giants, however, with the Glasgow side likely to have made notable blunders or errors in the transfer market in the recent past.

One such error that may well now sting is the club’s inability to snap up Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Evan Ferguson, with the Republic of Ireland international currently thriving in the Premier League.

Were Celtic close to signing Evan Ferguson?

The 18-year-old marksman was acquired by the Seagulls from Bohemians back in January 2021, although prior to that the Hoops were one of a handful of clubs who took a close look at the teenager, having brought him in on trial.

As the player himself admitted, despite interest from those at Celtic Park – as well as the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United – he ultimately opted to make the move to the Amex, having seen a potential, clearer pathway into the first-team at the club:

“I have been on a trial to a few clubs but that [Liverpool] was the main one [other than Brighton]. I was on trial with Manchester United, Celtic, and Everton. I think from the outside it was obvious to see that [pathway] and most of the managers here have given chances to young players.”

There will no doubt be frustration that the Bhoys were unable to tempt the striker into making the move to Scotland instead with the promise of a regular role, with the Scottish Premiership side now left to rue that missed chance amid Ferguson’s success south of the border.

How is Evan Ferguson doing at Brighton?

While it is still early days in the 6 foot 2 gem’s senior career, the Irishman has already made his mark for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, having already scored five goals and provided four assists in just 16 appearances for Brighton thus far.

Lauded as “phenomenal” by teammate Solly March, Ferguson only recently powered his side into the FA Cup quarter-finals after scoring the winning goal in the victory over Stoke City earlier this week, showcasing his poacher’s instinct to tap home from close range.

Not just a threat inside the penalty area, however, the towering, physical asset also offers a lot more in attack as a result of his impressive hold-up play, with such traits having seen him receive glowing praise from the aforementioned March:

“He’s strong, he’s quick, he holds the ball up well and he scores goals – so we’re delighted with him. He’s a different player to what we’ve had in recent games. It’s nice to have that big figure in the box who you know when you cross balls in, he’s going to hold it up.”

The two-cap machine has made a smooth transition to life in England’s top-flight with three goals and two assists in just seven league games this season, with that the same tally that ex-Celtic man Odsonne Edouard has produced for Crystal Palace this term, albeit with the Frenchman having made 22 appearances thus far.

That has ensured that young Ferguson boasts a remarkable scoring rate of a goal every 103 minutes in the current campaign, while Edouard – who left the Hoops back in the summer of 2021 – has scored a goal every 377 minutes.

Unsurprisingly the praise has been flooding in for the Brighton man having been lauded as like “Alan Shearer in his pomp” by Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood, with it looking as if he is set for a bright future in the game – as the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are now circling for his signature.

With it likely that the Bettystown native will move on for a big fee in the years to come – amid that interest in his services – it will undoubtedly sting that Celtic could have potentially snapped him up when he was just 16.

Chelsea are still interested in making a move for Borussia Dortmund and England ace Jude Bellingham this summer, according to journalist Matt Law.

The Lowdown: Bellingham Europe’s most wanted

The England international is one of the world’s most sought-after players at the moment, having produced a string of influential performances for club and country.

Bellingham is already a star man for Dortmund but he looks likely to leave this summer and Chelsea have been linked with a big-money swoop for him.

The Blues face plenty of competition for the 19-year-old’s services, however, with a number of their Premier League rivals keen on snapping him up.

The Latest: Chelsea still keen on signing

According to The Telegraph‘s Law, Chelsea are still keen on signing Bellingham in the summer, despite landing Enzo Fernandez in January.

The Blues are accepting that they are not necessarily the favourites to get their man, however, with others in front of them in the pecking order currently.

The Verdict: Game-changing addition

Bellingham could be a sensational signing for Chelsea if they managed to entice him to Stamford Bridge, with few players on the planet possessing more potential right now.

At 19, he has already won 22 caps for England and made 119 appearances for Dortmund, being described as a ‘superstar’ by Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

Bellingham could help transform Chelsea’s midfield, dovetailing beautifully with the similarly prodigious Fernandez and forming a world-class midfield for many years.

Despite his tender years, the Dortmund maestro already looks like a complete midfielder, averaging 3.2 tackles per game for England at the 2022 World Cup and also scoring ten times for his club side this term, in all competitions.