Carlo Ancelotti could take James Rodriguez to a new level with a slight tactical tweak after he explained why Richarlison never plays in his favoured position for Everton.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who quote the Toffees boss as believing Richarlison is not best suited to playing through the middle of his attack, despite the Brazilian’s desires.
Ancelotti insists the forward has never requested to be played as a centre-forward and that is happy to work from the wing, but the £50m former Watford star prefers a No.9 role and he operates as the focal point for his national side.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is Ancelotti’s go-to striker at Goodison Park, though he has fielded the forward beside Richarlison previously.
But a change in system has seen Richarlison be shifted to the wing, making 17 of his 25 appearances across all competitions this season from the left, and he will continue to be played there in normal circumstances.
“I think he [Richarlison] cannot play centre-forward because he is really good at attacking the line and to play centre-forward, most of the time you have your back to the goal,” Ancelotti said.
“I think for him, better is centre-left. He has more difficulty to find solutions as a winger but centre-left, for me, is the best position.
“He likes to play centre-forward, honestly. But for the fact that he is young, he plays where I tell him to play.
“Maybe when he is older, he is going to ask to play centre-forward but, until now, he didn’t ask.”
Ancelotti building on the idea of Richarlison developing into a centre-left forward rather than a winger or an out-and-out striker could, in turn, see Rodriguez take his performances to another level.
Rodriguez already boasts five goals and four assists in 18 Premier League games, but he has only contributed two of his strikes and created one in his last 13 outings after a blistering start to life in England.
The £90,000-per-week maestro’s latest assist came in Everton’s most recent fixture, last month’s Merseyside derby win over Liverpool, when he picked up possession in a central position before threading a perfectly weighted pass through to Richarlison to fire home.
Ancelotti should comfortably be able to expect a heightened number of assists from Rodriguez if he were to have Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin both making advancing runs from more centralised areas in the future.
Rodriguez consistently impressing in a centre-right role could also help Everton retain the £31.5m-rated Colombian beyond his debut campaign in England, following reports by Defensa Central last month that claimed the midfielder is already unhappy in the Premier League.
It was also noted that the two-time Champions League winner is open to joining Atletico Madrid, as he wishes to return to the Spanish capital and sign for the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium natives he came close to joining two years ago.
With European football at Everton a realistic possibility for next season, the Toffees would surely be loath to lose one of Ancelotti’s biggest stars.
So, the idea of a front three of the Colombian, Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison working more compactly may be worth exploring as the Blues enter the final third of the season.
AND in other news, Everton are tracking a prolific 15-goal winger backed to reach another level…
According to emerging reports, Sheffield Wednesday are considering a move for free-agent defender Danny Simpson…
What’s the word?
Sheffield Star journalist Joe Crann revealed on Monday evening that the Owls were contemplating a deal for the out-of-work left-back, who left local rivals Huddersfield Town at the end of last season.
The 34-year-old had been playing for his former club, Leicester City, and their u23 side in recent months in a mutually beneficial agreement that added experience to Brendan Rodgers’ setup as well as giving the Premier League winner some much-needed minutes.
It is believed that Simpson was the unnamed trialist for the Owls’ U23s on Monday afternoon, with senior boss Darren Moore in attendance.
An uninspiring solution
There are only 11 games left to save Wednesday’s Championship status, so signing a player that has not featured all campaign certainly seems like a recipe for disaster, nor is it an inspiring move.
However, it is a necessary decision to make, irrespective of the division the south Yorkshire giants find themselves in next term.
The Owls have practically been playing all year without an out-and-out left-back. In the summer, former boss Garry Monk failed to replace his first-choice option, Morgan Fox, following his departure to Stoke City.
And this was something that chairman Dejphon Chansiri and the club’s recruitment team neglected to rectify during the January transfer window.
Given Simpson’s experience – he has racked up 331 appearances across England’s top two divisions – and the need for a player in the role, the move makes a ton of sense.
He started 23 games for the Terriers last season, where he averaged the fifth-most tackles per game (1.5) of any regular starter for Danny Cowley – a figure that would rank him similarly in the current Owls squad.
Matt Penney, Adam Reach, Liam Palmer, Moses Odubajo and Joost van Aken have all been utilised at left-back throughout the season, only emphasising the nightmare the Owls have had in the position and only two have managed more than 1.5 tackles per outing, as per WhoScored.
As Rodgers once said to the Leicester Mercury, Simpson is a “first-class” player who “trains like a demon every day,” and whilst his better days have come and gone, he’d be a worthwhile addition to Moore’s faltering outfit.
The £450k-rated veteran can solve the Owls’ season-long problem at left-back.
AND in other news, Worse than Windass: Sheffield Wednesday ace who had 71 touches hands Moore big problem…
With Paul Pogba heavily linked with the Old Trafford exit, Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward could land the perfect replacement in the January transfer window.
What’s the word?
According to veteran journalist Jonathan Shrager, the Red Devils are interested in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be keen on landing the diminutive 5 ft 9 in midfielder, amid interest from a whole host of clubs from across Europe.
However, Brighton boss Graham Potter has dismissed these claims as sheer baloney. “There have been no approaches,” he said, as quoted by The Daily Mail. “As I’ve said before, just because it’s in the newspaper, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.”
Whatever the case may be, Woodward simply must sanction a swoop for the former Mali international at all costs by any means necessary.
Solskjaer’s plan B
Bissouma has been in such fine form for the Seagulls since the start of the season, having provided one goal in 13 appearances in the Premier League, via Transfermarkt, while he is averaging 1.5 shots, 1.5 dribbles, 3.3 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game, via WhoScored. By comparison, even Pogba has only managed 1.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances on average per game in the Premier League so far, as per WhoScored.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been delighted with the Frenchman’s attitude in training and in matches amid intense speculation over his future at Old Trafford and insists .
If all else fails, if he cannot convince Pogba to stay at the club, a move for the Malian makes perfect sense in the meantime.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch was effusive in his praise for the 24-year-old after the 2-1 defeat to Spurs in November. He told Match of the Day 2, as quoted by the Brighton & Hove Independent: “There is so much to admire from Brighton today apart from the cutting edge. “So often they had just one player in the box. Bissouma was fantastic throughout. Bissouma drove forward all afternoon but there were no runners, I don’t know where Neal Maupay was?â€
Even in the event that Pogba does end up leaving Old Trafford, this sort of forward-thinking midfielder would be most welcome in Manchester and signing a player who is capable of covering and replacing Pogba would be a shrewd bit of business, especially when you consider the fact that he is currently valued at a mere £11m via Transfermarkt, which is a fraction of the price Woodward paid Ajax for Donny van de Beek in the summer.
AND in other news, Exclusive: Former Hull City striker Dean Windass says Jadon Sancho shouldn’t join Manchester United…
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this month by Duncan Castles on The Transfer Window Podcast, and the Mali international’s stats suggest that he would be a great addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Since joining the Seagulls from LOSC Lille in 2018, the 24-year-old has gone on to make 76 appearances, in which he has contributed four goals and one assist.
This season has seen the midfielder average a solid 6.83 rating for his performances in the Premier League, whilst he has demonstrated his long-range shooting quality with superb goals against Everton and Blackpool so far this campaign.
With Fabinho having played centre-back for much of the season, Liverpool have arguably lacked some bite in midfield at times this campaign, which Bissouma could add if he were to make the move to Anfield.
The Brazilian has averaged 2.1 tackles per game, which is the most of any Reds player. Bissouma, meanwhile, has averaged 2.9 tackles per game in the top-flight, which suggests he would fit well into Klopp’s midfield.
The 24-year-old also scores highly with his pass accuracy rate (86.2%) and dribbles per game (1.6), which again suggests that he could adapt to Liverpool’s style of play, as we have often seen the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Thiago use their dribbling qualities in order to make space for the front three.
Bissouma may well be likely to depart Brighton in the near future given he is attracting interest from sides across the Premier League, with manager Graham Potter also full of praise for him earlier this season, saying:
“He’s got that quality (to play in the Champions League), he’s got those attributes that you need at that level.”
With Wijnaldum looking likely to join Barcelona at the end of the season, Bissouma could prove to be the ideal replacement if Michael Edwards is able to bring the £11.7 million-rated midfielder to Anfield during the summer.
And, in other news… “I think they’ll try and get it done this window” – Exclusive: Pundit tips LFC to target “perfect” 28 y/o
Liverpool fans may have been handed a huge boost ahead of their lunchtime clash at Goodison Park. Thiago Alcantara has tweeted a match day image, featuring a picture of himself as the Reds prepare to visit their neighbours in a bid to resurrect their winning form.
The recent Anfield signing has made just one appearance for his new club so far. He was recently reported to have tested positive for Covid-19 and missed the Aston Villa match along with Sadio Mane. Liverpool were handed a huge defeat and were left to mull over their 7-2 spanking on the journey back to Merseyside.
Merseyside boost for Liverpool
After returning to training, Thiago is available for selection this afternoon and could make his return against the club’s bitter rivals. As it stands, Everton top the Premier League table after their perfect start to the season. Liverpool’s recent loss sees them three points behind, but they could pull level with a win at Goodison Park. Jurgen Klopp will need all hands on deck to snub the Toffees in their neck of the woods.
The versatile midfielder played just 45 minutes against Chelsea last month but could be called upon to start the match. Naby Keita is not available for selection meaning Thiago could play alongside skipper Jordan Henderson, who has been impressing in his recent England performances.
The two-time Champions League winner maintained 90% passing accuracy in Liverpool’s win over Frank Lampard’s side. He also made one key pass and was successful in ten of his 12 attempted long balls (via Sofascore).
With Mane back and a strong midfield equipped, the Reds will be eager to get themselves onto the front foot at Goodison. Everton, who know their neighbours’ threat on the counter-attack, may play a more reserved game this afternoon. If this is the case, Thiago’s creative passes and long balls could be the answer to unlocking a tight Carlo Ancelotti defence and chipping away for three points.
In other news, Predicted XI: Liverpool to field strong lineup in mission to upset Everton…
Celtic’s run of poor form continued after they failed to come away with a result in their most recent Europa League fixture. The Hoops were dealt another loss on home soil after AC Milan hit them for three following another disappointing defensive display.
With the news of Christopher Jullien’s back injury proving to be worse than expected, Neil Lennon will be without the centre-back for their trip to Aberdeen this afternoon. After losing two games on the bounce and shipping five goals in that time, it’s imperative that the 49-year-old pulls off a masterclass in order to get his side back to winning ways.
Football FanCast has predicted how Celtic might line up to face the Dons…
After concerns were raised over Vasilis Barkas’ recent performances, Lennon may have his hand forced when it comes to this afternoon’s selection. Scott Bain has made just one appearance in Celtic colours this season but it came during their 5-1 win over Hamilton in their opening fixture. With a lot of pressure on his shoulders to rectify his side’s form, the 28-year-old could put in a solid display between the posts.
After a lacklustre performance from Leigh Griffiths as Lennon’s lone striker against Ajax, it’ll be very unlikely if he starts against Aberdeen. Both he and Albian Ajeti earned poor Sofascore ratings and can be expected to be dropped in place of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Patryk Klimala.
The Saints loanee came on and immediately made an impact, scoring Celtic’s only goal of the game. Fellow substitute Ryan Christie provided the assist, and should therefore be placed in the starting lineup instead of Olivier Ntcham in the midfield.
It will be a tough ask for the Hoops to restore their winning streak, especially against Aberdeen who are just three points behind them in the league. Thanks to their Old Firm loss, bitter rivals Rangers have extended their lead at the top of the table and are now four points clear. Three points will be the only thing on Lennon’s mind, as they look to show the Gers who should be at the top.
In other news, Celtic suffer blow ahead of Aberdeen as Odsonne Edouard not likely to feature…
According to a report by Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan, via Man City Xtra, the Sky Blues have offloaded promising young defender Tosin Adarabioyo for a meagre £2 million plus 20% sell-on clause – prompting plenty of supporters to blast Txiki Begiristain’s latest move on social media.Â
Tosin, who had a stellar season for Blackburn last season, signed for Fulham in the final minutes of deadline day on a permanent deal – but the fee will reportedly be around £2m despite the fact he possesses bags of potential.
Over 2019/2020, the 23-year-old started the vast majority of Championship matches for Rovers last term, averaging an 80.3% pass accuracy out from the back whilst making 4.7 clearances per 90 – clearly displaying that fine blend of composure and robustness in the middle (WhoScored).
Standing at a towering 6ft 4, Tosin is also quite the physical presence, with their being many reasons why City could have negotiated a much higher fee.
As a result, Sky Blues are definitely not impressed with the deal – find all of their best comments down below.
City fans, how much should have Tosin been sold for? Have your say in the comment section down below…
Chelsea are currently head and shoulders above all of their Premier League rivals in the current transfer window.
The Blues mean serious business going into the new season as they currently boast a mammoth six new senior signings. They arguably have four marquee recruits after splashing the cash on the likes of Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz.
Their fourth major signing comes in the form of Brazilian icon Thiago Silva, who left Paris Saint-Germain on a free contract in search of pastures new.
A recent report from The Telegraph has brought to light some of the behind-the-scenes work that went into the 35-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge.
Brazil and former PSG teammate Neymar reportedly nudged Silva in the direction of Chelsea after warning him that he would regret not taking up the offer. The £115.2m-valued forward was one of the players from whom the Brazilian sought advice before deciding on the move to Frank Lampard’s side.
Silva has played in both the French and Italian top tiers but the chance of joining a Premier League side is a huge opportunity. Similarly to Neymar, former Blues player Willian also encouraged the veteran to pursue the move to west London.
Silva signed a two-year deal with Chelsea and could even see his career out under Lampard. He could well be the focal point of the Englishman’s defence this season as the Blues look to challenge in the Premier League title race.
What do you think of this update, Blues? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Ahead of the January transfer window, reports in Germany have tipped Tottenham Hotspur with interest in one of Bundesliga’s emerging stars..
What’s the word?
According to Sport Bild, RB Leipzig maestro Marcel Sabitzer is on Spurs’ wishlist, though the €30m-valued (£26.5m) midfielder is under contract until 2022.
Back in March, the same source claimed that Jose Mourinho had a keen eye on the 26-year-old playmaker along with La Liga giants Barcelona following his destruction of the north Londoners in the Champions League.
His valuation then was in the region of €50m (£45m).
Creative void fulfilled
As mentioned, Spurs already have a nightmarish recollection of Sabitzer after he tore them apart across two legs to knock them out of the UCL earlier this year.
In the second encounter, the Austrian netted an 11-minute first-half brace and also recorded 45 passes, made three interceptions and won 100% of his aerial battles. He absolutely dominated Harry Winks in the middle of the park.
Sabitzer finished the season with 16 goals and 11 assists, primarily playing in a no.10 role as well as on the right flank.
That form has already continued into this campaign where the dynamo has found the net twice in two Bundesliga starts. In each of his last four league campaigns, Sabitzer has averaged at least 1.2 key passes per game, perhaps he can become the attacking midfielder that Mourinho is lacking.
Giovani Lo Celso is yet to truly step-up into the void that Christian Eriksen left behind, having assisted only two Premier League goals since joining last summer.
The Leipzig talisman has been likened to David Beckham due to his ability on set-pieces whilst national team boss, Franco Foda, claims: “Marcel is a player who gives everything for 90 minutes, does a lot for the team and works a lot defensively. He runs a lot, has some good technical moments, and is now scoring goals.”
That couldn’t be more in the profile of a typical Mourinho player if he tried, not to mention that he’s now captain of the Bundesliga side too.
He has even been lauded as a “joy to watch” by journalist and author Karan Tejwani.
Perhaps the midfield “goal threat” is one of the final pieces of the puzzle in the Special One’s lofty revolution in N17. Daniel Levy must deliver one more masterclass this winter.
AND in other news, Bye-bye Sanchez: Levy must sanction cut-price Spurs swoop for “astonishing” £40m titan…
Marcelo Bielsa and his men will be immortalised as the group that finally took the Whites back to the Premier League after West Brom’s loss to Huddersfield confirmed their top-flight status, but in true Leeds United fashion, they didn’t do it the easy way.
After years of jeers about ‘falling apart again’, it’s finally over, Leeds have crossed the finish line that has been in sight so many times before, and it took a mighty effort from everyone involved at the club to make this dream a reality.
Whether it’s Victor Orta making Dragon’s Den style presentations, Marcelo Bielsa creating eight-page dossier’s on opposition’s third-choice goalkeeper or players enduring the Argentine’s famed ‘murderball’ sessions, everyone has put so much in to get to this point.
2019/20 will be remembered as a rollercoaster campaign for the Whites that ended in the best way possible, and here are 15 moments that defined United’s promotion campaign…
White in Jansson out
Summer transfer windows always have a huge say on how a team is going to get on throughout the season, and it’s fair to say that July 1st was one of the most important days of United’s promotion campaign as a little-known centre-back named Ben White also came in on loan.
White is now reportedly valued by his parent club at £40m, despite never playing above League One level before joining Leeds.
With White joining, there was one less spot in the defence, and this meant the end of Pontus Jansson’s time at Elland Road.
This was truly a sign of Marcelo Bielsa stamping his authority after reportedly falling out with the fan favourite, and in the end, it could be argued that this move worked out for both parties.
Opening day domination
Leeds were handed a tough opening day clash away at Bristol City.
There were certainly a few questions to be answered ahead of the game after United’s playoff capitulation last term, but they made sure to answer them very quickly, playing Bristol off the park, going 3-0 up in 72 minutes, before the Robins added a consolation.
Nketiah’s late heroics
Unfortunately, Leeds’ brilliant performances wouldn’t last long, and United would need bailing out a few times in the following weeks.
Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah made something of a name for himself by scoring key goals late in games, saving United’s skin against Brentford, Barnsley and Preston.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for Nketiah in Yorkshire, but the points he won for Leeds certainly helped them on their way to the Premier League.
West Brom beaten
In 2018/19 Leeds came so close to getting promoted, but in the end, results at home against their rivals cost them as they succumbed to both Norwich and Sheffield United at Elland Road.
Fortunately, that didn’t happen this time as United made a statement of intent by beating the Baggies 1-0 at home.
Centenary celebrations
2019 marked 100 years since the formation of the club, and against Birmingham City, the Whites celebrated this landmark.
Wearing a specially designed changed strip to mark the occasion, Leeds prevailed, beating the Blues 1-0 with a goal from local-lad and lifelong fan Kalvin Phillips sealing the three points.
Seven in a row
United really made a spot in the top two their own throughout the back end of 2019, winning seven games in a row from November 2nd to December 10th, in a run that really defined the Whites’ success throughout this campaign.
The highlight of this run was undoubtedly a 4-0 demolition job against Middlesbrough as former man Jonathan Woodgate had a torrid return to Elland Road.
Cardiff jitters
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All good things have to come to an end, and United’s winning run ended in the worst possible fashion.
Leeds raced into a 3-0 lead against Cardiff back in December, but a second-half resurgence saw the Bluebirds level the game late on, causing Leeds to drop points for the first time in over a month.
United could so easily have capitulated after such a result, but they managed to recover just a couple of weeks later.
Game of the season
After the Cardiff game, Leeds would fail to win their next two against Fulham and Preston, and all of a sudden their clash with Birmingham City looked like a must-win.
Fortunately, they managed to overcome Pep Clotet’s side, beating them 5-4 courtesy of a last-minute Wes Harding own goal.
It took a lot of bottle for Leeds to come away with a win here, and that sort of drive was so key to their promotion push.
Premier League audition
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Third Round – Arsenal v Leeds United – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – January 6, 2020 Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Although Leeds’ game against Arsenal in the FA Cup didn’t actually contribute to their promotion, it was a key match in showing that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were ready for the Premier League.
The Whites lost 1-0 to the Gunners, but they put on an impressive display, creating a multitude of chances, earning plaudits from pundits across the land.
Casilla’s mistakes
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Leeds season if they didn’t threaten to monumentally mess it up, and a run of costly errors from Kiko Casilla in February threatened to derail their season.
The Spaniard conceded directly from a corner against Wigan in United’s 1-0 loss at Elland Road, before being beaten far too easily at his near post in a loss to Nottingham Forest and basically assisting Brentford’s only goal in a draw at Griffin Park.
Casilla was to blame for United’s playoff loss last term, and it seemed as though he could cost them again, but luckily his errors wouldn’t prove all that costly.
Five clean sheets in a row
Good defence defined United’s season more than anything, keeping the best defensive record in the division, and after Casilla stopped with the howlers, he kept three clean sheets in a row.
Unfortunately, the Spaniard was then banned for an incident that occurred against Charlton earlier in the season, but he wasn’t missed too much as Illan Meslier came in and continued the Whites’ run of shutouts.
Wake up call
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United’s good form was put on hold due to the suspension of football for three months, and upon their return they didn’t hit the ground running.
Leeds lost 2-0 in their first game back against Cardiff, but rather than letting their heads drop, this acted as a wake-up call.
Fulham brushed aside
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United’s next game was a key clash against Fulham, and to call it a must-win would have been an understatement.
If Leeds would have lost, the London club would have been just four points adrift with all the momentum in the world, but a comfortable 3-0 win saw Bielsa’s side move 10 points clear of Fulham, putting them firmly in the driving seat to go on and get promoted.
Biggest win of the season
The final few weeks of the season are usually the prime time for Leeds to self-destruct, but this time United did the exact opposite and put on arguably their best showing of the campaign to settle everyone’s nerves.
Leeds beat Stoke 5-0, and with four games to go that performance showed that any team that fancied gatecrashing the Whites’ party would have to be at their very best to do it.
Hernandez’s magic
Soccer Football – Championship – Swansea City v Leeds United – Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Britain – July 12, 2020 Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez celebrates scoring their first goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Action Images/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use
Things were still a bit nervy heading into the final few weeks, Brentford’s incredible run meant Leeds weren’t home and dry yet, and nerves were high heading into the final minutes against Swansea with the deadlock yet to be broken.
As he has done time and time again, Pablo Hernandez saved Leeds’ skin with an 89th-minute winner, a goal that put Leeds within touching distance of a spot in the Premier League.