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Glasgow Rangers reporter Jordan Campbell criticised James Tavernier’s performance in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Poor outing

It was a poor outing from the whole of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, as they lost 3-0 away at Napoli in the end, but it could have been much more.

The Serie A high-flyers had the majority of the ball and recorded 14 shots at goal, with six of them on target in what was predominantly a one-sided contest (SofaScore).

The Latest: Tavernier criticised

Taking to Twitter, Campbell was particularly critical of Tavernier and his passing, claiming that it was ‘baffling’ to see him make ‘such simple mistakes’ throughout the match:

“Tavernier’s pass completion in this group stage will do well to be above 70%. It’s baffling to watch him make such simple mistakes.”

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The Verdict: Did not lead by example

As captain, Tavernier failed to lead by example, and in the end put in as poor of a performance as any of his team-mates.

The right-back lost five of his duels, and failed to make a single interception or accurate long ball, giving possession away on 19 separate occasions, the second-most of the entire Gers squad (SofaScore).

He also made an error leading to a shot, and his pass accuracy was just 78%, one of the lowest out of his team-mates (SofaScore).

Tavernier was exceptional in last season’s Europa League campaign, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer in helping the Light Blues reach the final, but perhaps the Champions League was too much of a step up.

وجه النادي الأهلي، متمثل في رئيسه محمود الخطيب، رسالة إلى رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية ياسر إدريس، بعد توليه منصبًا جديدًا في الاتحاد الدولي.

وتولي المهندس ياسر إدريس، منصب نائب رئيس الاتحاد الدولي للألعاب المائية، كأول مصري يتولى هذا المنصب الرفيع في تاريخ الرياضات المائية.

طالع | الأولمبية توضح حقيقة الخلاف مع وزارة الرياضة بشأن تعديلات قانون الرياضة

وهنأ مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي برئاسة الكابتن محمود الخطيب، المهندس ياسر إدريس، وجاء نص التهنئة كالتالي:

“السيد المهندس ياسر إدريس، رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية، رئيس الاتحاد المصري للسباحة، يسعدني أن أهدي لسيادتكم تحيات السادة أعضاء مجلس إدارة النادي وتحياتي وبعد، نتقدم إليكم بخالص التهاني بمناسبة فوزكم المستحق بممنصب نائب رئيس الاتحاد الدولي للألعاب المائية، كأول مصري يتولى هذا المنصب الرفيع في تاريخ الرياضات المائية، وهو إنجاز يبعث على الفخر والاعتزاز لكل محبي الرياضة في مصر والعالم العربي”.

وتابع: “هذا الإنجاز يعد تتويجا لمسيرة طويلة من العطاء والعمل الدؤوب، وجهودكم الكبيرة في تطوير الرياضات المائية على المستويين المحلي والدولي، مما جعلكم نموذجا مشرفًا للقيادة الرياضية الواعية والناجحة”.

Celtic will be ‘open’ to any kind of exit for James McCarthy should offers arrive in January, according to BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Celtic green-light McCarthy departure

The Premiership champions signed the midfielder on a four-year deal in the summer of 2021, but he has so far failed to make any significant impact in Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI.

Recent reports have claimed that the Glasgow outfit will be listening to proposals for the 31-year-old in the winter, with the Parkhead hierarchy wanting him to ‘find a new club’ in an attempt to ‘free up space’ on the wage bill.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Asked by Football Insider whether Celtic would rather McCarthy left on a loan or permanent basis in the New Year, Hutton said: “I think they will be open to both.

“I think if they can get some money in through the door to then reinvest it somewhere else I think they would rather that option.

“There is no getting away from the fact that he is a really great football player. He has struggled with injuries over the years.

“I was surprised at the contract they actually gave him. It was a long-term deal at the time with somebody who had not really been able to stay fit. It was a bit of a strange one.

“When he has played we have seen in flashes what he is capable of but it has not been on that consistent level. I think if offers do come in they will definitely listen to them.“

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The Verdict: Correct call

McCarthy has previously been dubbed ‘sublime’ by journalist Josh Bunting, but making the decision to let him leave would be the right one from Celtic.

The Republic of Ireland international has only recorded one assist in 27 appearances for the Hoops and has started zero games this season, with a mere 30 minutes of game-time across all competitions showing how out of favour he is under Postecoglou.

Having been nothing more than a bit-part player since the manager’s arrival at Parkhead, McCarthy will be in need of game-time; and with the Hoops ready to cash in, a permanent exit would be in the best interests of both parties.

Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett is closing in on a return from injury after a calf issue, according to an update from journalist Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Dummett absent this season

The 31-year-old has endured a frustrating season to date while the Magpies have excelled without him, not making a single appearance in the Premier League.

Dummett’s only match of the campaign came in the EFL Cup against Tranmere Rovers, with a calf problem seeing him sidelined for an extended period.

Now, it looks as though his return is not too far away, though.

The Latest: Defender closing in on return

Taking to Twitter, Ryder confirmed that Dummett was progressing well in his injury recovery:

“Newcastle defender Paul Dummett close to return after seeing a specialist.”

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The Verdict: Boost for squad depth

This is great news for both Dummett himself and Newcastle, with the veteran not necessarily a key starter but a handy squad player moving forward.

He was once hailed as ‘terrific’ by former Magpies manager Steve Bruce and the club needs homegrown individuals like him around to ensure there is a connection with the supporters.

Dummett may not be around forever at Newcastle, as they continue to make big strides under Eddie Howe, but his return will boost defensive options between now and May, which can only be a good thing.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed an injury blow after Antonio Conte confirmed that Ryan Sessegnon is ruled out of the Premier League game vs Leeds United on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Lilywhites are coming into this game off the back of two defeats, the most recent being a 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Nottingham Forest, so they will be hoping to turn their form around with a win over Jesse Marsch’s visitors this afternoon.

Sessegnon sustained an injury during the clash at the City Ground in midweek but had to see out the game as a result of the five substitutes having already been used, and the latest news on the 22-year-old is not positive.

The Latest: Sessegnon fitness update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Conte revealed that Sessegnon is yet to participate in training and will therefore miss the clash against Leeds, whilst also providing an update on Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Quoted by the club’s official website, the Tottenham manager said: “Sessegnon, today he didn’t train with us, he has a little problem and he’s not available for tomorrow’s game. About Richy and Deki, they had a training session, and I have one day to make the best decision.”

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The Verdict: Blow for Conte

Sessegnon has started eight league matches this season, showing how integral a squad member he is, so it will be a massive disappointment for Conte to lose him for this clash.

The Roehampton-born talent was averaging 1.3 shots and 1.2 clearances per game prior to his injury, and even had two goals to his name from left-back (WhoScored).

Only Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have a greater shots-per-game average at Tottenham, which shows how much of a threat Conte will be missing from the left flank today.

With the ability to operate on either side of the midfield in addition to left-back, Spurs will be hoping that Sessegnon uses the World Cup break to get fit in time for the return of domestic action next month.

Newcastle United continued their remarkable resurgence with victory over a struggling Chelsea side on Saturday evening, with Eddie Howe’s men running out 1-0 winners courtesy of a Joe Willock stunner following what was a hard-fought encounter at St James’ Park.

That result ensured that the Magpies will be in third place in the Premier League heading into the World Cup break, having now claimed five successive top-flight victories to put themselves firmly in the mix for a Champions League berth.

Such relentless form has unsurprisingly seen a number of the Tynesiders’ key figures rewarded with a place in Qatar, with Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson all named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad, while both Bruno Guimares and Fabian Schar are set to join up with Brazil and Switzerland, respectively.

By contrast, there are notable assets who have been omitted from their nations’ travelling party for the upcoming tournament, with summer signing Sven Botman having been left out of the Netherlands squad by former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.

The 22-year-old colossus is yet to even earn a senior cap at international level despite his stunning displays in recent times, with the former Lille man having formed part of a Newcastle side that has shipped just 11 league goals this season – the best record in the division.

The Dutchman is not the only player for the northeast side who should well have been allowed the chance to impress on the global stage, with the resurgent Joelinton having seemingly done enough to warrant his place in the Brazil squad, alongside Guimaraes, although was eventually snubbed.

While the 26-year-old was an outside bet having also not featured for his country in the senior ranks, the player’s transformation over the past year or so has been nothing short of remarkable, having gone from misfiring striker to midfield colossus under Howe’s tutelage.

The club’s Player of the Year for the 2021/22 campaign, the former Hoffenheim sensation has again been an integral presence this time around, starting 12 of his side’s 15 league games, including the recent triumph over Graham Potter’s men.

That latest display further rubberstamped just why Joelinton did deserve a place in Tite’s squad, having produced a typically industrious and dominant showing against the Blues, having been dubbed “pure class” by podcaster, Dave Harvey.

The 6 foot 1 brute was deployed in a more advanced role on the day than he has of late, although still managed to contribute impressively, with the £85k-per-week gem – who ranks in the top 6% in Europe for aerial duels won – winning 100% of his battles in the air, while also recording four tackles and two interceptions from his left-wing berth.

Also a threat in an attacking sense, the imposing presence registered one key pass and recorded 60 touches, while also enjoying a respectable 90% pass accuracy rate as a marker of his renewed quality on the ball, having also played his part in the goal after sending Miguel Almiron in down the right flank.

To think that the versatile ace won’t be heading to Qatar is a crying shame, particularly when one of those to get ahead of him in the squad is Red Devils midfielder, Fred, with the latter man having not even been a consistent presence for Erik ten Hag’s side this term, starting only four league games.

Alas, it was not to be for Joelinton, although as the Newcastle official Twitter account noted after the player’s recent, cruel snub – “his time will come”…

One feature of Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe’s tenure thus far at St James’ Park has been the Englishman’s willingness to turn to the youth ranks, having notably handed promising youngster Elliot Anderson a prominent role in the squad so far this season.

The highly-rated playmaker – who has earned comparisons to club legend Peter Beardsley – has already made nine appearances in all competitions so far this term, including seven substitute appearances as part of the Magpies’ stunning start to the new Premier League campaign.

While the 20-year-old’s only two starts thus far have come in the Carabao Cup, the Scotland youth international looks set to be an asset who is only going to take on a greater role in the years to come, having showcased his talent while on loan at Bristol Rovers last term, providing 13 goal involvements in just 21 outings for the lower-league side.

The hope will be that not only can the Whitley Bay-born gem go from strength to strength in the years to come and truly force his way into Howe’s side, but also that the midfielder’s rise from the youth ranks does not become a mere anomaly, amid the hefty investment in new additions.

One young talent who will likely be hoping to replicate Anderson’s rise to the senior setup is 16-year-old, Lewis Miley, with the teenager having been making waves as a result of his displays in the northeast side’s academy of late.

The exciting asset has been tipped for a “huge future” having been a “standout performer” for the club’s U18 side,  in the words of journalist Aaron Stokes, boasting a haul of six goal involvements in 30 games at that age group to date.

While a crack at the first team still appears a long way off – with the Gateshead-born ace having only featured twice for the Tynesiders’ U21 side at present – the indication is that he could be one to keep an eye on moving forward.

That is seemingly the view of U21’s boss Elliott Dickman, with the youth coach lauding the youngster following his display in Monday’s clash with Crystal Palace, stating: “He’s still young within his development, but he’s showed signs of handling the ball and controlling it well. He’s got a real composure to his play, he makes really good decisions.

“He still has a lot of developing to do physically and in other areas which I’m sure will come in time. In general, he’s had a really positive start to his scholarship.

“He’s got to stay hungry and humble, and keep working hard on all areas of his game. I’m sure he’ll do that, because what we’ve seen so far, he’s definitely showed signs of being that person. It’s important that he does it, and we want him to continue to develop on the physical side and in his football.

“He’s spent a lot of time with the under-18s and I think the staff have done a terrific job with him. He’s one of the few who’s had the opportunity to train with the first team, and hopefully he gets more chances to do that.”

As Dickman alluded to, the young forward has already trained with Howe’s senior squad so far this season, having also been awarded the club’s prestigious Jack Hixon award as a recognition for his promising talent.

As has been the case with Anderson, it could be a wise move to ease Miley into action over the coming months and years, although it is a truly exciting prospect to have another sparkling asset waiting in the wings.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been backed to potentially leave the club once they get their hands on the Champions League. 

The Lowdown: Guardiola’s new contract

Earlier this week, it was announced that Guardiola had signed a new two-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at the club until 2025.

During his time with the Manchester club, the 51-year-old has won four Premier League titles and numerous other domestic trophies.

Despite this recent contract announcement, the subject of Guardiola’s potential exit from the club has cropped up, with one pundit suggesting when the Spaniard could call it a day at City.

The Latest: Guardiola backed to leave City

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan was asked if Guardiola is waiting to get his hands on a Champions League title before bringing his time with City to an end.

He said: “It’s possible. Signing a short-term contract like that, it would be interesting to see what he does if they were to win the Champions League in the next two seasons – he could choose to walk away.

“It’s the only trophy he still has to win. He’s still building a really good, young team at Man City. He’s brought in [Erling] Haaland, [Kalvin] Phillips, [Julian] Alvarez.

“He knows they aren’t quite the finished article yet, but they’ve got a really good chance this season. It’s a trophy which would really set him apart from all the other managers who have been at Man City.”

The Verdict: City fans should be buzzing

The fact that Guardiola has decided to sign a new contract at City, which should take him up to nine years in charge of the team, will undeniably be fantastic news for the supporters given how successful he has been with the club.

In terms of winning the Champions League, if winning it means that he’d likely leave afterwards, there could be some City fans that may want to delay winning it if that’s the case.

So far this season, the Citizens got through the group stage unbeaten, and now look to take on RB Leipzig in the round of 16, with the players and staff hoping to get their hands on it.

Overall, the City fans should celebrate the fact that they still have Guardiola as their manager and savour every minute they have with him at the helm, regardless of whether they win the Champions League or not.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Adama Traore…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Spurs are still keen to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, a player they have held an interest in dating back to before Nuno Santo’s arrival in the dugout back in the summer of 2021.

Antonio Conte is believed to be a huge fan of the Spain international and he came close to sealing him last January before he opted for a loan move to his boyhood club, FC Barcelona.

It’s also thought that the Lilywhites are reluctant to pay a fee for him so are willing to chance their arm in the summer, though interested foreign teams such as Napoli, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could offer him a pre-contract deal on January 1st, whilst Leeds United also retain interest.

Perisic-esque swoop

If sporting director Fabio Paratici finally gets his man in the summer, then Spurs could have another Ivan Perisic-like deal on his hands as he’ll be landing a top-quality option for absolutely nothing in terms of a transfer fee.

Traore is something of an enigma – one of the Premier League’s most feared players but one that doesn’t have the goal contribution returns to back it up.

Indeed, people around the game have consistently waxed lyrical about his threat, ranging from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who once dubbed him “unplayable” to Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who lauded him as an “animal” and a “beast” physically.

But for a player with 172 top-flight appearances in the Premier League, the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough ace has only returned nine goals and 16 assists and in LaLiga last term, he managed just two goal contributions from 16 matches, as per Transfermarkt.

However, with a star-studded attack containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and usually Dejan Kulusevski, Traore wouldn’t be the man expected to deliver attacking returns consistently and he may even find a home at right wing-back instead – just like Perisic, who Conte converted into the role at Inter Milan.

Landing the £55k-per-week maverick on a free transfer could prove to be very smart business after all, so Paratici and co must try to sign Traore once again in 2023.

AND in other news, Spurs had a howler in failed swoop for £26m World Cup “real weapon” who’s like Beckham…

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth says that Manchester United’s option to buy Martin Dubravka becomes an obligation based on appearances.

The Lowdown: Expected to leave

As per ESPN, the Slovakian goalkeeper is expected to leave Old Trafford when his season-long loan from Newcastle United expires in the summer.

The news outlet suggests that Erik ten Hag is looking to draft in fresh goalkeeping options and is working on a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper Yann Sommer.

Dubravka reportedly signed on loan from the Magpies for £2m, with the option to make it permanent for a further £6m.

The Latest: Obligation based on appearances

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth has shared that United’s option to purchase Dubravka becomes an obligation based on the number of appearances that he makes, and if he does not fulfil that number, then he will be allowed to go back to St James’ Park.

The journalist said: “United have got Dubravka on loan and they have got an option to buy Dubravka in the summer.

“My understanding is that option becomes an obligation depending on the number of appearances that he makes.

“If he doesn’t trigger those number of appearances, he’ll go back to Newcastle United and then Manchester United will be in the market for another goalkeeper.”

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The Verdict: Unlikely to stay

Having only made Premier League, it seems very unlikely that Dubravka will end up staying at Old Trafford permanently.

If he does go back to Tyneside, the Red Devils will need to bring in another goalkeeper to understudy David de Gea and eventually compete with the Spaniard for the number one spot.

Nonetheless, Dubravka has not been given much of a chance to impress at United, so Ten Hag should consider playing him more often in order to fully see if he is worth signing permanently.