All posts by h716a5.icu

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Monday was Jordan Henderson’s 29th birthday and Liverpool’s ace was seemingly celebrating it with a nice and healthy breakfast while relaxing on his long overdue holiday.

He took the time to thank everyone who wished him all the best on his special day with a quick snap on

/Byz58ebAume/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram showcasing the fine cuisine he’ll soon be enjoying. Many of the Premier League’s best, ex and present, were quick to congratulate him with great birthday wishes.

Some of his teammates, like Dejan Lovren, were first to the scene and the Croatian sent a message mixed with happy wishes and a bit of his standard banter with an emoji of a kiss or two.

Alongside Lovren there were some rivals, such as Fabian Delph from Manchester City, and some ex-Reds like Jamie Redknapp who posted a series of emojis showing their support and love.

After such a successful season at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and finishing second in the Premier League, it’s safe to say that Henderson deserves a nice breakfast at the very least. Let’s hope it was a good one!

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Lots of Everton fans have taken to Twitter to react after The Telegraph revealed that negotiations have been opened with Chelsea over the signing of Kurt Zouma on a permanent basis.

The French international shone for the Toffees last term on a season-long loan spell, alongside another loan hero in Andre Gomes who looks close to arriving at Goodison Park permanently – Marco Silva revealed his desire to tie the pair down towards the end of last season.

Check out a fan’s outrageous call for England to take a leaf of out cricket and rugby’s book after a limp Nations League performance in the video below…

Zouma, 24, made 32 Premier League appearances for the Merseysiders last term and was a big player for them as the Toffees eventually finished eighth – the former Saint-Etienne man also pitched in with two goals and two assists.

The towering 6 ft 3 centre-back really made an impression on the Goodison Park faithful, so much so that many fans wanted to see him signed on a permanent basis back in April.

Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Let’s take a look at some of the fans’ reactions on Twitter…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Last season may have been Leeds United’s best chance to be promoted back into the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Once again, they fell away at the back end of the campaign, but rather than it being a famous case of ‘falling apart again’, it could be attributed to their manager’s rigorous training regimes and the issues they bring.

After last season’s failure, one would have to hope that Marcelo Bielsa would be learning from his mistakes, but it seems he isn’t.

Bielsa burnout

It has been covered in depth previously, but for anyone not familiar with the phrase ‘Bielsa burnout’ it is the theory that the Argentine’s high-intensity football and training regimes leaves his teams susceptible to fatigue and injuries.

Indeed, Leeds were blighted by an abnormal number of injuries last term, and they proved costly in the end. Kemar Roofe and Pontus Jansson both missed the playoff semi-final second leg against Derby, and their replacements had shocking games. Patrick Bamford didn’t have any effect, mustering just one shot on target, while Gaetano Berardi was sent off.

Towards the end of the league stage, Leeds petered off as well, failing to win any of their final four matches of the season.

Not learning

Bielsa has been in this game for almost 30 years, and despite being heralded as one of the greatest managers around, his trophy cabinet is rather bare, and part of that has to be blamed on this burnout phenomenon.

The problem is, he simply refuses to learn. Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has said that his pre-season training is even more intense than last season.

With a new 1km running track being installed at the training ground it’s not hard to believe that their regimes have been even tougher this summer.

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Leeds’ players will undoubtedly be as fit as possible once the opening day rolls around, but Bielsa seems to be setting his team up to fall off at the end of the campaign once again.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

A topic of heated debate surrounding the Hawthorns in recent times has been the club’s academy.

Fans have been forced to see Rekeem Harper become a free agent after his contract expired, despite it appearing as though he was close to signing new terms.

And with the thought of young players leaving still fresh in the mind, one of the club’s academy graduates has offered a statement ahead of a season in which he seems determined to impress.

On the chalkboard

Earlier this week, Kyle Edwards spoke out ahead of pre-season. In an interview with West Brom’s website, he declared: “If I can impress straight away then hopefully I can have a run in the team.”

The 21-year-old also commented: “My target for the new season is to break into the team a lot more and start more games.”

And on that note, it would seem rather foolish if new manager Slaven Bilic didn’t give him a chance.

Last term, Darren Moore afforded game time to six academy players. Harper played the most minutes of all of them (1,743) but with the midfielder now currently not on Albion’s books, Edwards could become one of the pillars of the team.

Why? Because he’s got the energy and drive to succeed. His recent comments suggest he’s willing to work hard to put his name in the hat for selection and there’s now a real opportunity for him given the lack of wide players in the Baggies’ squad.

But he also possesses qualities on the field that would make his selection a no-brainer.

In 2018/19, he ended the season with the highest number of successful dribbles per game in the entire side, making two per match.

His best game came against Brentford, netting a goal and also completing a rather impressive five dribbles.

It was evidence of the fabulous talent he possesses but there was only six occasions in the Championship where he got the chance to display this.

In total he played 11 times in all competitions last season, a number that simply has to increase under Bilic.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

The only genuine wide options he has available to him at the moment are Oliver Burke, Matt Phillips and Jonathan Leko.

West Brom fans have voiced their concerns over the latter so it would be timely if Edwards now gets his chance.

Mark Jenkins has revealed West Brom have a competitive budget, but by increasing the faith in their young 5 foot 8 winger, it could save them some funds.

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A goal-scoring hero in Liverpool’s Champions League final victory over Tottenham at the end of last season, it’s safe to say Divock Origi has probably done enough to etch himself into Anfield folklore.

The Belgian has endured a rather hit-and-miss career at Anfield and has struggled to nail down a place in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team since arriving on Merseyside.

However, after some of his exploits last season, ESPN claim Liverpool will push on with contract talks for the 24-year-old this summer and that they are determined not to lose him.

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After hearing the news Origi’s long-term future could still be with the club, many fans of the Merseyside club took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter.

Despite his goal against Spurs, many Liverpool supporters seemed rather unimpressed that Origi was set for a new deal and cautioned whether he was actually good enough for the side.

Some however felt that his knack of scoring goals in big games was more than enough reason to keep him at the club, and hoped he could continue to provide a spark from the bench.

Check out some of the divided reaction of Liverpool fans below:

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Wednesday’s Newcastle transfer roundup entailed the pursuit of a Championship manager, Rafa Benitez warning off two potential new bosses and interest in a Serie A goalkeeper. Today’s edition features a new update on that second-tier manager, a former England man turning down the vacant position at St. James’ Park and news on a Ligue 1 target.

Bruce to cost £5m

According to The Times, Newcastle may have to pay around £5m to Sheffield Wednesday in compensation for Steve Bruce. The 58-year-old reportedly met with Lee Charnley on Wednesday, with the discussions going well.

Allardyce says no to return

Sam Allardyce turned down the opportunity to take the Toon hot seat, he has told talkSPORT. The former Bolton manager, who has already had a spell with Newcastle in the past, said “I was very flattered that I was considered but it’s that thing… don’t go back.”

Rennes have agreement with Sarr

Stade Rennais president Olivier Letang has said that he has an agreement in place with reported Newcastle target Ismaila Sarr over a potential transfer this summer. Speaking at the unveiling of Flavien Tait, he said, “With Ismaila, there is a type of gentlemen’s agreement but we need all the conditions to be right, and they are not at the moment, if at a level (that we like) something is offered to us, we will have the capacity to accept it.”

With so much going on in the rapidly-changing football world, it can sometimes be hard to keep up with all of the latest news. Therefore, we bring you a summary of the 10 biggest stories from the football-sphere over the last 24 hours, including transfers, new managers, fresh contracts and more! Let’s get into it before something else happens…

Despite playing in 38 games for Tottenham last season, including eight in the Champions League as Spurs made the final, Kieran Trippier always looked to be on the move this summer. At the start of July, it was said that Tottenham were willing to listen to offers for the England international. And now it has been confirmed that he is no longer a Lilywhites player. Atletico Madrid have announced their capture of the 29-year-old right-back, who has signed a three-year deal with Los Rojiblancos. The fee is reported to be £20m.

West Ham have been linked to a number of strikers this summer, but now they finally have a new man to lead their front line. The Hammers have confirmed the signing of Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported club-record fee of £45m. The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Irons, with the option of an extra 12 months. Upon putting pen to paper, the former Utrecht man said, “It means a lot (to be the record signing). It proves that the club [has] really wanted me for a long time. I felt this desire to sign me and I’m really happy to sign, also. it is an ambitious club, a nice club, a nice city and nice fans too.”

Ever since Rafa Benitez left Newcastle last month, there has been intense speculation as to who will take his place as the Toon’s boss. Not anymore though. It has been confirmed by the North-East club themselves that they have appointed Steve Bruce as their new manager. The 58-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the club following his resignation from former side Sheffield Wednesday at the start of the week. Mike Ashley may have his man, but it is unlikely to be a decision that will please the St. James’ Park faithful.

Romelu Lukaku has been intensely linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer, with Internazionale very interested in the Belgium international. The 26-year-old’s desire to leave Old Trafford is public knowledge, and it seems the Red Devils are beginning to come to terms with losing their striker. The former Everton marksman was left out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Leeds, after having missed the previous warm-up match against Perth Glory. This will only add fuel to the rumours surrounding his future.

Charlie Austin appeared to be close to a move to West Brom last week, but the former QPR man reportedly snubbed the move in order to fight for his place at Southampton. However, it seems that Saints manager Ralph Hassenhuttl has no place for the striker in his squad for the 2019/20 campaign, and has been told to train with the club’s U23 squad. Unsurprisingly, the 30-year-old is unhappy with the news.

With Steve Bruce confirmed as their new boss, Newcastle can now turn their attention to bringing in new players. Recent reports have linked the Toon with Hoffenheim’s Joelinton. And now, the Bundesliga outfit have confirmed that the forward is in talks with “a Premier League club” and was not part of their squad who played SSV Jahn Regensburg on Wednesday. Due to the Newcastle interest, it is believed to be the North East club who he is talking to. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals in 35 games last season.

After an impressive season with Norwich in the Championship last season, there has been plenty of interest in full-back Max Aarons this summer. Tottenham and Manchester United, in particular, have been linked. However, it seems that the 19-year-old is going nowhere… for now at least. The Canaries have confirmed that the England U19 international has signed a new five-year deal with the club that will run until 2024. “I’m delighted,” said Aarons to the club’s official website. “Obviously it’s been a brilliant season for me personally and the team and to top it off with the new contract is brilliant.”

Arsenal’s transfer budget is preventing them from bringing in big name signings this summer, which means they need to be imaginative in the current market. They may have found a cost-effective signing, at least on a temporary basis, in Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos. It is being reported that the Gunners are just waiting on Zinedine Zidane to approve a one-year loan deal for the Spain international. The Bernabeu boss is not expected to block the switch.

Slaven Bilic will no doubt be looking to take West Brom back to the Premier League this season, and to do that, he will feel he needs new signings. Kenneth Zohore could be the next man to join the Baggies, with it being reported that the Hawthorns outfit have agreed a fee with Cardiff City for the striker. The sum is believed to be in the region of £8m. The jury is out on whether the 25-year-old could fire Bilic and co to the elite, though. He scored just one goal in 20 outings last season.

There was once a time when Jean-Michel Seri was linked to a move to Barcelona, but in the end, he signed for Fulham last summer for a club-record fee. However, he was unable to prevent the Cottagers being relegated to the Championship after a disappointing season. He may be on the move this transfer window, as well. It is being reported that he is close to a move to Galatasaray on loan. The two clubs are in negotiations, it is believed.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking on talkSPORT, Lille defender Jose Fonte has given his seal of approval on teammate and potential Arsenal signing Nicolas Pepe.

What did he say?

According to recent reports, the Gunners are edging closer to sealing a club-record £72m deal for the Ivory Coast international this summer, and Fonte has tipped his colleague for greatness.

He said: “He’s incredible. If he can reach the same level that he did last year in Lille, which I believe he will, I think Arsenal fans will be very happy. He’s super quick, his left foot is silky, his 1v1 is second to none, he finishes really good, he takes penalties and free kicks. He’s a very accomplished player and I think Arsenal fans will be in for a treat.

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“It’s not always that you have a player like this. I’ve played with a lot of players and this kid is special. There’s no doubt about it, he’s special. He can get to a very, very high level and can be one of the best in the world, 100 per cent, I’m confident he has everything in place to get there.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world, Arsenal is a great club and I’m sure he’ll enjoy London as well. I’m excited to see him play in the Premier League.”

Seal of approval

As a former Premier League defender with Southampton, Fonte’s ringing endorsement of Pepe’s abilities should be given serious consideration. The ex-Saints star has seen the winger tear up Ligue 1 first-hand, and bore witness to a player who finished as the league’s second-top goalscorer – only behind PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.

Whilst Pepe’s impressive goals and assists tallies stand up well, it was perhaps the way he carried his Lille side to a second-placed finish in the league that really makes for impressive reading. The season before, Lille had finished just outside the relegation places, so to see Pepe help transform the side to perform miracles is something to behold.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

The Gunners are similarly in need of a revival themselves after an underwhelming end to the campaign last season. The battle to finish in the Premier League’s top four continues to be a difficult job, and Pepe’s arrival can help lift the mood both on and off the pitch at the Emirates next season.

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Rangers fans loved Joe Aribo’s performance in their side’s 0-0 draw against Progres Niederkorn in the Europa League qualifiers.

It was a quiet evening in Luxembourg as Steven Gerrard’s men completed a 2-0 aggregate win in the second round of qualifiers.

Goals from Sheyi Ojo and Aribo in the first leg at Ibrox were enough to see off plucky Progres over the two legs, though that scoreline should have probably been higher given the Gers’ dominance in the home tie.

The win means the Gers will face Danish Cup winners FC Midtjylland in the third round as they look to match last season’s feat of getting to the group stage of the competition.

Despite the rather dull draw, 23 year-old Aribo’s performance really got fans excited.

Signed from Charlton Athletic this summer, Aribo has wasted little time in showcasing his talents, scoring twice already for the club and now producing another display that has fans drooling over his abilities.

Here’s what the supporters had to say on Twitter about their new star’s latest outing:

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp doesn’t tend to have too many selection headaches these days, but he did face a tough one ahead of the Premier League opener against Norwich City at Anfield on Friday night.

Virgil van Dijk had been partnered by Joe Gomez in the Community Shield five days earlier, but Joel Matip threw himself into contention by coming on and scoring at Wembley against Manchester City.

Nevertheless, Klopp stuck with the England international for the visit of the Canaries with his African teammate having to settle for place on the substitutes’ bench.

Some Reds fans on Twitter were far from happy with Gomez’s display though, and it is causing plenty of debate over on the club’s official forum too, where there is a specific Gomez vs Matip thread.

Here’s what supporters are saying about the duo on there…

Rather mixed, then?

Pretty much, yeah.

These supporters appear divided on which player is the better one to partner van Dijk right now, although some interesting points were made in regards to Matip especially.

One individual believes he is in better form than Gomez right now, and if that is the case then surely he should be in the starting XI in what is such an important campaign for the Reds.

Another fan believes that Matip being in the side over the Englishman helps Trent Alexander-Arnold, which is an intriguing point of view.

Gomez doesn’t go without the love though, with one pointing to some of his elite performances last season for why he should get the nod, and another saying it could take some time for him to get back up to speed following his injury issues.

With the Super Cup against Chelsea on Wednesday followed by a trip to Southampton on Saturday, it will be interesting to see what Klopp decides to do – in my view it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Matip start in Istanbul, before Gomez returns to the team at St Mary’s.

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