Category Uncategorized

Speaking to Goal, Everton winger Theo Walcott has revealed the Toffees signing that “really excited” him.

What did he say?

Well, the former Arsenal man was interviewed by Goal at a club event at their USM Finch Farm training ground, and was asked about summer addition Alex Iwobi.

As per BBC Sport, the Merseyside outfit brought the Nigeria international to Goodison Park in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £34m, but it hasn’t been the best of starts to his Everton career with injury issues plaguing him as he has scored two goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions.

Nevertheless, Walcott said about the 23-year-old: “At times at Arsenal he was in and out, and he was tried in different positions. Here, I feel he can express himself a lot more and use his attributes, his skills and his energy.

“He’s a great athlete, he looks after himself. He doesn’t come to the gym with me and Mason [Holgate] yet, but I’ll try my best! He’s a great kid and he’s really settled well. I was really excited when he came having worked with him before. I knew he was always going to fit right in.”

Did he really play for us?! No Everton fan has managed to name all of these obscure Toffees players….

Can Iwobi shine now?

The first thing for the former Gunner is to stay fit consistently, but if he can it should be an exciting time for him playing under Carlo Ancelotti.

Indeed, Iwobi has said previously how he prefers to play through the middle rather than out wide, although he gets the chance to do both in his manager’s flexible 4-4-2 system – as we saw against Watford last weekend.

Watch Everton Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

While he is forced to play as a left winger at times, there are also certain transitions where he can come infield and play more of an inverted No.10 role – something he has admitted suits him, as per The Athletic.

Iwobi must now take his chance to impress over the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.

In other Everton news, one man has expressed his suprise that the club wanted him at Goodison Park…

[ad_pod ]

Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter after Paul Merson made a quite ridiculous statement on Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, as the pundit compared him to Cardiff manager Neil Warnock.

The Sky Sports pundit said in his ‘weekly predictions’ column: “Rafa Benitez couldn’t have done what Neil Warnock has done at Cardiff though. No chance. Warnock is pulling up trees. He’s an unbelievable manager.”

Warnock guided the Bluebirds to an incredible promotion from the Championship last year, and has worked wonders so far this season, gaining 19 points from 22 games, one more than Newcastle have managed in the same timeframe.

However, Benitez guided the Magpies to a promotional campaign of their own two years ago, and managed to secure a top-10 finish last season against all odds.

The Spaniard has also won numerous European honours and has twice been named UEFA Manager of the Year, so Merson’s comments haven’t gone down too well with the St. James’ faithful…

Arsenal is all Mesut Ozil has to focus on after his international exile, and he certainly put in a performance to make Joachim Low jealous against Leicester.

The creative midfielder had an extended rest, after making himself no longer available to international duty meant no national team call up for UEFA Nations League defeats to the Netherlands and France.

A bonus week off certainly helped as Ozil – who Transfermarkt currently value at £40.5million – shone on Monday night at the Emirates Stadium, leading to a standing ovation when the German was substituted on 80 minutes for Aaron Ramsey.

Across the game, the 30-year-old produced key passes to his teammates and was involved in all three of the Gunners’ goals, netting one for himself and assisting Aubameyang’s second of the night.

While Bellerin was credited with the assist for the Gabonese striker’s first, just two minutes after coming off the bench, Ozil opened the space for the pacey right-back to break behind the Leicester backline with a perfectly weighted through ball straight between the Foxes defenders.

The playmaker returning to form not only earned Arsenal’s number 10 a standing ovation at the match, but also the admiration of supporters with fans quick to praise Ozil on Twitter…

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”310054″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Fake Madrid & Ross Barkley Emulates… David Ngog”]

Tottenham Hotspur have pulled out of the race to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha according toÂThe Mirror.The Ivory Coast international has just enjoyed a strong season, scoring nine goals and assisted three despite suffering with injuries at the start of the campaign.Zaha has now been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer, with Chelsea and TottenhamÂreportedlyÂinterested, but according to the latestÂreport, Spurs have been put off by his £75million valuation, putting Chelsea in the driving seat.Spurs are yet to make a signing this transfer window and fans are growing frustrated as their rivals are splashing the cash on top talent which will take them to the next level.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”275402″ player=”12034″ title=”Should Spurs Fans Be Concerned By Lack Of Transfers”]Tottenham fans have been reacting to the latest revelations surrounding the potential Zaha transfer on social media and it’s clear to see they’re divided on whether he is worth Crystal Palace’s valuation.

According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, Newcastle United have been told that they must pay £20m if they want to sign Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun on Sunday says that despite the fact that Arsenal bought the Spaniard for £17m last summer and he struggled for game time throughout the previous campaign, they are looking to make a profit on the 28-year-old.

The Sun on Sunday says that Magpies manager Rafa Benitez was keen to sign Perez on a permanent deal, but he will now target a loan for the attacker after being priced out of the move.

The report adds that Newcastle’s fellow newly-promoted Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion are also keen on the forward, while his former club Deportivo La Coruna also want to bring him back to La Liga.

How did Perez do last season?

Despite struggling to break into the Arsenal first-team ahead of the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck, Perez did score seven goals and provide a further five assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.

While he only netted one goal in 11 Premier League outings, the 28-year-old was particularly impressive when he was given more of an opportunity in the domestic cups and Champions League, and he netted six times with all of his five assists coming in 10 appearances in those competitions.

Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?

He certainly would be.

While he hasn’t really been given an opportunity by Wenger, the Spaniard showed glimpses of brilliance when he was on the pitch such as his impressive finish against Bournemouth in the Premier League and his hat-trick against Basel in the Champions League.

The 28-year-old came to England following a hugely successful campaign with Deportivo La Coruna and he has shown he knows where the net is – he would certainly provide some much-needed competition for the likes of Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic in attack.

Perez is also a versatile performer as he can play on either wing or as a secondary striker as well as being an out-and-out centre-forward.

Will Arsenal compromise on their asking price?

It’s difficult to say but after missing out on the squad against Leicester on Friday, they will have to reduce the fee if they want to sell him permanently – as it appears they want to do.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he’s concerned for his club’s chances ahead of their important clash with Arsenal this weekend, as he feels the Reds will struggle without Jordan Henderson.

Jurgen Klopp’s side continued their woeful run in 2017 on Monday night with a 3-1 defeat at Leicester, leaving their record this calendar year standing at just two wins from 12 matches, and Arsenal could all but end their hopes of a top-four finish this weekend.

Whilst Liverpool have impressed against the top-ranking sides in the Premier League this season, with their struggles coming against teams in the bottom-half of the standings, Aldridge told The Liverpool Echo he doesn’t rate the Reds’ chances without Henderson in midfield.

“Monday night showed, as if it were needed, just how much we miss the captain when he’s not there. It was ridiculous how light we looked in midfield without him.”

“Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum went missing in the first half, and the damage was done by half-time. It sounds like he’s a major doubt for the Arsenal game, and that worries me greatly. I fear for us if he’s not there.”

Arsenal will have notable absentees of their own this weekend, with Santi Cazorla once again missing from their own midfield, but the Gunners boast a depth that Liverpool do not possess- and that could be decisive at Anfield come Saturday afternoon.

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Chelsea fans are hardly a respectable bunch, are they? This time, they have taken to pelting coins at players who are, literally, kids.

As Manchester City equalised quickly after the Blues had taken the lead, the referee had to retrieve several coins from the area the players had been celebrating in. Seems odd to complain about ticket prices and then literally throw your money away (but that’s not the point!).

The Blues are quickly building a reputation for themselves as Neanderthals and it will be hard to shake off. An embarrassment and a shambles, the fans’ frustrations at how poor their team has been should not be shown in this way and the FA must clamp down – after a similar incident yesterday.

Quite. Grown man assaulting teenagers, not a good look.

At least some could put a bit of whimsy into the occasion..

Clearly saw the idiot doing this yesterday and thought ‘that’s a cracking idea, I’d love to get myself a 10 year ban!’.

It obviously isn’t all Chelsea fans, but making a song about Gerrard isn’t exactly the same thing as coin throwing or racism…

It gives all fans a bad names, still, unfortunately.

Yunus Musah made history Monday evening, becoming the youngest-ever USMNT player to 33 caps before their 21st birthday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Musah breaks USMNT recordBeats Donovan, Pulisic and AltidoreYoungest player to 33 caps under 21WHAT HAPPENED?

The announcement came via U.S. Soccer on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, making it known that the young midfielder broke the record previously held by Christian Pulisic, Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore. Musah committed to the USMNT on March 15, 2021 – 980 days ago – becoming only one of 12 players to make their debut with the USMNT prior to their 18th birthday.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Musah has become the single most-capped under-21 player in the history of the program, which is staggering. The Milan midfielder has become a mainstay in Gregg Berhalter's side, moving into a starting role to replace the injured Tyler Adams, and has now made himself indispensable to the USA boss. He represented England at different youth levels, but opted for the USMNT as a teenager.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most-capped player in USMNT history is Cobi Jones, who managed 164 appearances over his career.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT & MUSAH?

The USMNT will move to 2024 now, with the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and the Copa America on the horizon. Despite their 2-1 loss Monday evening, the U.S. advanced on aggregate and qualified for the Games in Paris at the same time. Next on the agenda for Musah, meanwhile, is returning to AC Milan and preparing for the Serie A meeting with Fiorentina on November 25.

Jurgen Klopp's squad is set for a significant overhaul this summer, with several arrivals expected and plenty of departures likely

The great Liverpool summer rebuild is already well underway. Anfield has already said goodbye to a few modern-day heroes, with James Milner and Roberto Firmino joined by Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in heading for the exit door, and a host of new and exciting names linked with a move to Merseyside.

It is not exaggerating to say that this is perhaps the biggest and most important transfer window of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, with key arrivals expected and several departures anticipated.

Who should be on their way out? GOAL takes a look…

GettyKEEP: Fabinho

Fabinho’s struggles this season have, in many ways, exemplified Liverpool’s, in that they have been as inexplicable as they have been dramatic. At his best, the Brazilian is one of the finest, most consistent defensive midfielders in Europe, but the question now is whether the 29-year-old will get back to his best.

For now, Liverpool should back him to. But they need to make the right signings this summer, and build a team whose structure will protect him better. It’d cost a lot to replace him, and if they were to sell him this summer, it would surely not be for a huge fee.

AdvertisementGettyKEEP: Thiago Alcantara

Thiago was in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season 12 months ago, but this campaign has not gone to plan for the Spain international. He started it with an injury and finished it with an injury, and in between there were few of the classy, dominant performances we have come to expect.

With just a year left on his contract, the 32-year-old is unlikely to be offered a new one, but with Liverpool already needing such a huge rebuild of their midfield, it would be unwise to give themselves another player to replace. Rather, they need to make sure they are not quite as reliant on Thiago, and his fitness, as they seem to be right now.

Getty Images.SELL: Joel Matip

Another player with a year left on his deal, and one who has been a wonderful servant for the Reds over the past seven years. But Matip is no longer first-choice at Anfield, and his fitness issues over the last 12 months suggest the time has come to say goodbye.

He’ll need replacing, mind, and that won’t be easy. At his best, he’s one of the most underrated centre-backs around. His future this summer will depend on what kind of offers arrive, and what kind of player Liverpool could get to take his place.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesKEEP: Joe Gomez

Many would disagree on this one, but Gomez’s age and ability to play as a right-back as well as centre-back make him a valuable squad player. Sure, the England international has had a poor season, and his contract status means he may be a pretty saleable asset, but what would Liverpool have to pay to find better?

Unlike Matip, who is well into his 30s, Gomez is a player who could still have a role to play in two or three years’ time.

The Italian coach is expected to leave Stamford Bridge and return to Italy after just one season in London, but who could replace him?

Maurizio Sarri is still Chelsea manager – but not for much longer.

The Italian coach was expected to be sacked earlier in the season following a disastrous 6-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City, but managed to survive in his post for the remainder of the campaign. He eventually secured a third-place league finish as well as the Europa League trophy.

He is, however, known to be leaving his post at Stamford Bridge imminently for a move back to Italy, with Juventus his likeliest destination.

Goal takes a look at his leading candidates below…

GettyGianfranco Zola

Chelsea could be tempted to follow in the footsteps of Man United and hire a club legend. 

Gianfranco Zola worked as Sarri's assistant and was the obvious choice to replace the Italian should he have been sacked prior to the end of the season. 

As well as being one of the finest players ever to represent Chelsea, Zola also has plenty of experience of managing in England, though his spells at West Ham, Watford and Birmingham City were short and not particularly sweet. 

Still, if Chelsea want to replicate the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer effect by hiring a fan favourite who also commands the respect of the dressing room, they need look no further than Zola. 

AdvertisementGettyMassimiliano Allegri

Should Sarri head to Juventus, he could be going for a straight swap with Allegri, who was most recently manager at the Old Lady since 2014. 

The Italian won five straight Serie A titles during his time in Turin and finished as Champions League runners-up twice, in 2015 and 2017. 

He doesn't have much experience managing outside of Italy, however, managing Milan and Sassuolo prior to his time at Juventus. 

GettyFrank Lampard

It would be the stuff of fairy tale for club legend Frank Lampard to return to Chelsea as manager. 

The former Blues midfielder is in charge of Derby County and made headlines earlier this season as his Championship outfit knocked a Mourinho-led Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup, as well as reaching the final of the Championship play-offs in his debut season. 

Like Zola, Lampard is a fan favourite who would be very familiar with the philosophy and inner-workings of Chelsea. 

Lampard has already long been considered a front-runner to replace Sarri, with the club to meet with the former midfielder for further talks.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyErik ten Hag

Ten Hag has quietly built a solid reputation for himself around Europe as he took Dutch side Ajax to the semi-finals of the 2018-19 Champions League.  

Ajax, massively considered dark horses in the competition, managed to defy expectations and knocked out defending champions Real Madrid in the last-16 stage and eliminated favourites Juventus in the quarter-finals.

The Dutch manager has been considered for the Chelsea position, although he is cautious about signing on at Stamford Bridge due to the transfer ban that is currently in place.