All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool moved to five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with an emphatic 4-0 win away at Bournemouth at the Vitality on Sunday.

The Reds now have cup clashes with Fulham and Norwich to come over the next seven days as they get a break from the rigours of top-flight action.

They did, however, make fairly light work of their league duty on Sunday with an assured and impressive showing – particularly in the second half.

There were a number of superb performers for the Reds on the south coast, including the two scorers – Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota – but one player who went under the radar with his display was central midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Nunez and Jota's match-winning brilliance

With Mohamed Salah away on international duty, Liverpool's other forwards had to step up and that is exactly what they did as Nunez and Jota ruthlessly dispatched the Cherries during the second half.

The first goal came via a composed finish from the Uruguay international, who brilliantly ghosted away from his marker to finish coolly from his Portuguese teammate's pass.

That was then followed by two strikes from the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star. The first was a clinical near post-finish after Cody Gakpo slotted him through and the second came after a clever cutback from Connor Bradley allowed him – after an initial missed strike – to rifle the ball into the far corner.

Nunez made it four with his second goal in stoppage time as he stretched to poke Joe Gomez's deep cross into the bottom corner at the far post.

Mac Allister's vital contributions

As well as Jota and Nunez, Mac Allister was sublime for Liverpool and played a key role in the victory with his showing in the middle of the park.

He was Jurgen Klopp's unsung hero as the former Brighton star quietly went about his business. No thrills or spectacular moments from the World Cup winner but plenty of little moments that all added together to form a complete performance.

Mac Allister constantly battled hard in midfield to ensure that Bournemouth did not get the better of them in transition when the ball broke loose, as he won 14 of his 19 duels throughout the game.

As you can see in the table above, the Argentina international was outstanding defensively with 12 tackles and interceptions combined to break up attacks from the hosts.

This prevented Alisson from being worked as much as he may have been had the central midfielder not stepped in on numerous occasions to win possession back.

Meanwhile, his midfield partners Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott managed nine tackles and interceptions combined between them, which illustrates how impressive Mac Allister's defensive contributions were.

Along with his strength out of possession, the 25-year-old whiz created four chances for his teammates at the top end of the pitch – four more than Jones and Elliott combined (zero).

This shows that the Reds maestro was impressive with his work on and off the ball throughout the game at the base of Klopp's midfield, which is why he was the unsung hero as Jota and Nunez stole the headlines with their respective braces to win the match but he was just as good with his vital contributions in and out of possession.

Glasgow Rangers appear to be enjoying a fruitful last few days of the January transfer window if the recent rumours prove to be true.

Firstly, Fabrizio Romano stated that the Gers had reached an agreement to sign Brazilian left-back Jefte from Fluminense, as Philippe Clement looks to improve that area of the squad, and he could be a wonderful signing.

Secondly, the Belgian is also reportedly closing in on a move for Colombian winger Oscar Cortes, according to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, and this is another example of luring a talented youngster to Ibrox.

Before deadline day on Thursday, the 49-year-old may also be looking to move a player or two out in order to free up some funds, and it looks as though a summer arrival may end his stint in Glasgow early…

Potential departures before the deadline

Amid all the news about the potential incomings to Ibrox last week, there was also some news regarding departures.

A loan offer was reportedly made by Turkish outfit Rizespor to take Jose Cifuentes on a temporary spell until the end of the season before potentially activating a £2m option to buy clause, and it looked as though his spell in Scotland was over before it really got off the ground.

Journalist Derek Clark has given an update on his situation, however, claiming that the midfielder does not want to move to Turkey this month. This is not the end of the saga. Journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed that the Ibrox side have allowed Cifuentes to discuss a loan move with Brazilian side Cruzeiro.

There could still be plenty more twists and turns during the dying embers of the transfer window, but it looks as though the Colombian could be close to sealing a move away from the club.

While Mohammed Diomande has joined the club this month, could Clement perhaps make a move for another midfielder?

Rangers' search for new signings

Having signed Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan towards the end of December, the next few weeks proved to be rather disappointing in terms of further new arrivals.

There were plenty of links, with Steven Alzate being a player who Clement was showing interest in, according to Belgian news outlet DH Les Sports during the early stages of the transfer window.

The midfielder is currently on loan at Standard Liege from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, yet his contract is expiring at the end of the current season.

This could perhaps entice Clement into securing a knockdown fee with the Seagulls in the hope that he can lure him to Ibrox.

John Lundstram and Ryan Jack are also both out of contract at the end of this season, while it looks as if Cifuentes will be moved on sooner rather than later going by recent updates on his future.

While Rangers need another centre-forward at least before January is out, a deal for Alzate makes a lot of sense.

Jose Cifuentes' Rangers career in numbers

Having impressed during a spell at Los Angeles FC, Cifuentes was expected to strengthen the midfield area at Rangers upon his arrival.

It didn’t quite work out as planned, however, as the Colombian made just 11 starts during the first half of the season as he struggled to establish any sort of consistency under either Michael Beale or Clement.

Across his six Premiership starts, the Ecuadorian did manage to create two big chances and average an 87% pass success rate per match, but it looks as though Clement prefers other players.

There is no doubt that Cifuentes is an excellent midfielder, and he showcased his talents in the MLS for LAFC, but Scottish football is a totally different style.

If he does leave this month, he will depart with only well wishes from the Ibrox faithful, but it could give the former AS Monaco coach a licence to bring Alzate to the club.

Why Steven Alzate could be a good signing for Rangers

First of all, the midfielder has experience of playing in the Premier League, featuring 43 times for Brighton between 2019 and 2021, and while this is not a prerequisite for success north of the border, it certainly helps to know he has played in one of the best leagues on the continent.

Since failing out of favour at the south coast side during the 2022/23 season, the 25-year-old moved to Standard Liege on loan and demonstrated he can shine wherever he plays, scoring three goals and grabbing five assists in just 27 league matches.

Although missing a few games this term due to injury, he has still impressed for the Belgian side when compared to his teammates.

Indeed, across the Standard squad, Alzate is currently ranked fourth for big chances created (two), along with ranking third for accurate passes per game (42.6) and first for tackles per game (2.2) with these statistics clear evidence that he has shone in a wide range of performance metrics.

It looks as though Clement could sign a player who is not only capable of performing the defensive duties of a midfielder but one who is equally adept at dictating the play and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Journalist Josh Bunting previously lauded the Londonb-born Colombian during his spell on the south coast, saying: “Steven Alzate superb again for Brighton, he is so creative, brings so much energy into the game.”

Although the Gers are seemingly stocked with midfielders, the injury crisis that occurred prior to Christmas proves that there is no such thing as too much depth, and it is clear that the manager is thinking about the future.

If a move for Alzate does not go through this month, the Gers should be doing everything they can to get him tied up on a pre-contract agreement ahead of the 2024/25 season and begin to build their squad early.

The Light Blues could end the transfer window with a bang, having started it with one by signing Silva, and these new signings could be the difference between winning the league title or finishing second yet again.

Denmark failed to keep their lead against Slovenia as they drew 1-1, but Andreas Christensen was on song as he created a new Euros record.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Denmark draw 1-1 with Slovenia
• Christensen sets Euros passing record
• Gave 89 passes with a 100% accuracy

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Barcelona defender has been in very good form all season long as Xavi Hernandez converted him into a defensive midfielder thanks to exquisite ball-playing abilities alongside his awareness, and the ability to find the free man. He has just proved why Xavi did the same in the domestic season as he set a passing record during the draw against Slovenia.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per OptaJoe, Christensen ended the match with a new record after finishing the draw with a 100 per cent pass accuracy rate as he completed all 89 of his passes in the game to set a new record for the most passes made while not misplacing a single pass throughout the game in a single European Championship match since 1980.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Germany's Toni Kroos almost achieved the record on Friday evening in the Euro 2024 opener against Scotland where he gave a total of 102 passes during his 80-minute spell for Julian Nagelsmann's side. However, the German unfortunately misplaced one pass and failed to take the record to his name on the night, which opened the opportunity for Christensen on Sunday.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT NEXT FOR CHRISTENSEN?

  The Barcelona defender will need to be at his best during Denmark's next game as another dropping of points could end their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages. They will take on England on June 20 at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.

El Tri started Copa America out with a victory, but losing Edson Alvarez brings cloud to tournament

Mexico are entering a new era. Their veterans of old, players like Memo Ochoa, Hector Herrera and Chucky Lozano are seemingly out of the national team picture. They are undergoing a rebuild of sorts, but at the same time, they knew that Copa America 2024 was their chance to prove to the world that they are among the game's elite and one of the best in CONCACAF.

They took on one of their regional opponents in the Reggae Boyz Saturday, and it was the perfect test to begin the tournament.

Nothing went to plan – at all.

Jaime Lozano's squad lost their captain and star player Edson Alvarez to a hamstring injury just 30 minutes into the match, and from there on out, it was just messy.

Santiago Gimenez, their superstar forward, had just 16 touches across 68 minutes. The attack was a nightmare all night, with little to no service from wide areas, and Orbelin Pineda failing to connect the midfield and attack centrally.

Lucky for El Tri, they didn't need their attack to get their winner.

In the 69th minute, fullback Gerardo Arteaga stepped up to score a belter of an effort from the edge of the box, handing them the winner in their 1-0 victory.

Jamaica, meanwhile, had initially scored only to see it called back for an offsides on Michail Antonio in the 50th minute. Other than that moment, the Reggae Boyz failed to be much of a threat.

For Lozano and Co. in a tight Group B, it was a really important three points. However, this sort of performance won't be enough throughout the tournament if they want to make any sort of run.

GOAL rates Mexico's players from NRG Stadium.

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Julio Gonzalez (6/10):

  Played his role well, made a few saves and kept a clean sheet.

  Jorge Sanchez (7/10):

  The Porto fullback operated his flank well and was defenisvely sound.

  Cesar Montes (7/10):

  A rock on the backline. Defended well, was rarely beaten and was the leader needed after Alvarez's departure early in the first half.

  Johan Vazquez (6/10):

  Struggled with passing and linking well with the midfield, but played his role well defensively.

  Gerardo Arteaga (7/10):

  My goodness, have a hit. Not the best performance from him, but that goal makes up for it. He stepped up when El Tri needed him.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Luis Chavez (7/10):

  A composed showing; he stepped up massively when they needed him. Good tempo control, good patience on the ball, all around, a solid showing.

  Edson Alvarez (N/A):

  Was removed from the match 30 minutes in with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Could be a terrible blow.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Uriel Antuna (6/10):

  Struggled to provide width and any sort of dynamic to the attack. Lozano will expect more out of him from a creative perspective.

  Orbelin Pineda (6/10):

  Not his best evening, but he didn't do anything wrong, either. He created one big moment and completed 78% of his chances.

  Julio Quinones (5/10):

  A few promising moments, but lacked a clinical touch when entering the box. Failed to provide any sort of service into the box when tasked.

  Santiago Gimenez (4/10):

  Hard to blame him with no service in the attack, but he was a ghost the entire match. Was removed in the 67th minute after a lifeless showing.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Luis Romo (8/10):

  He stepped in for Alvarez and was brilliant in the midfield. Had the assist on Arteaga's strike, too.

  Carlos Rodriguez (6/10):

  Arrived off the bench in the second half, but didn't impact the match much.

  Guillermo Martinez (6/10):

  Replaced Santi, but in the same way as the Feyenoord striker, had no service.

  Roberto Alvarado (N/A):

  Subbed on late to help close out the match.

  Erick Sanchez (N/A):

  Subbed on late, replaced Luis Chavez.

  Jaime Lozano (5/10):

  Losing Alvarez is less than ideal – that's understood. However, the El Tri attack was abysmal Saturday night. The tactics set up by Lozano failed Gimenez, Quinones and Antuna. A brilliant strike from their fullback saved Mexico – that won't happen against one of CONMEBOL's elite later in this tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur are only five points better off in the Premier League this season than they were last year, but Ange Postecoglou is clearly shifting the cogs to chart a course to success unseen in many years.

A painful reminder, but unless Tottenham pull off a sensational and implausible title triumph, a barren trophy drought will stretch to 16 successive seasons without silverware.

This interminable wait for the unbridled joy that one of the game's major honours would bring rages on, but Postecoglou arrived in the summer to steer the ship back on course and has navigated through several obstacles to instil his vision and give the squad an identity.

Harry Kane ended his career-long affiliation with the London club in August and headed for the footballing riches Bayern Munich can offer, but Heung-min Son was handed the primary talismanic role and Spurs spent shrewdly to counter the blow.

Micky van de Ven and shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario proved excellent pieces of business to shore up a defence that leaked goals like a ruptured container, but it is the capture of James Maddison from relegated Leicester City that has been the centremost success of Postecoglou's reign so far.

Why Tottenham signed James Maddison

Signed for £40m in June, Tottenham saw an opportunity following the Foxes' demise in 2022/23 and snatched it, bypassing lasting interest from wealthy Newcastle United to steal away with one of the Premier League's standout playmakers.

Last season, Leicester fell into the second tier on the final day but Maddison emerged with his head held high, posting ten goals and nine assists from just 28 starting appearances.

He also ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and progressive passes and the top 1% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, making good on praise from pundit Jermaine Jenas that he is "on the verge" of being world-class.

The £170k-per-week star started life in London with a bang, crowned the Premier League's Player of the Month for August and having now plundered three goals and six assists from 13 matches, also completing 86% of his passes and averaging 2.8 key passes per game.

With Heung-min Son and Richarlison raking in goals for Postecoglou's side this season, Maddison's efficiency in his creative endeavours has proved invaluable for the club's progress this term, and he's undoubtedly one of Tottenham's most important and influential members.

Spurs could have signed "monster" £100m Richarlison replacement

Ange Postecoglou’s side still need a centre-forward to replace Harry Kane.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 5, 2024

He's not, however, the Spurs star with the highest market value right now, that tag lies with Dejan Kulusevski, who has been phenomenal this season and is arguably Postecoglou's most underrated ace.

Tottenham's signing of Dejan Kulusevski

Spurs captured Kulusevski and centre-midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus back in 2022, with the former joining on an initial 18-month loan.

An electric start to life on English shores saw the Sweden international clinch five goals and eight assists across the latter half of the 2021/22 Premier League season, but he was very much at the core of Spurs' issues last term and scored twice from 37 outings in all competitions, said to be "blowing hot and cold" by pundit Glenn Murray.

The 23-year-old has always been regarded as a high-class talent and there was clearly a tacit belief that he would return to the forefront under Postecoglou's wing, with a £25m permanent transfer agreed upon last summer.

Dejan Kulusevski's market value now

Typically found on the right wing but capable of doing fine work centrally, Kulusevski is actually considered to be Tottenham's most valuable player by Football Transfers and this is an illustration of his prowess and unrelenting energy – the very quintessence of his manager's fluid, guns-blazing approach.

More valuable than Maddison (who, admittedly, is sure to see a sharp rise in the near future), Kulusevski is versatile and dynamic and is finally flourishing with the kind of constancy that portends an illustrious future at the top of the game.

As per Sofascore, the 6 foot 1 phenom has scored five goals and supplied two assists from 21 matches in the top flight this year, though his brilliance stretches far beyond the constraints of direct goal contributions.

Indeed, he has also completed 83% of his passes, averaged 1.7 tackles, 4.3 ball recoveries and 4.2 successful duels per fixture, leading Sky Sports journalist Jamie Weir to state: "Dejan Kulusevski really is a special special player. Works so hard, covers every blade of grass. Hell of an engine on him, and just so much heart."

The former Juve starlet also ranks among the top 18% of positional peers for tackles made per 90 to emphasise the application that has made him such an indispensable figure for his side.

With tools to inflict damage on opposition from many, many angles, Kulusevski is sure to feature at the centre of Tottenham's projected rise under their Australian manager, and while he doesn't have the finishing ability of Son, or the raw creative excellence of Maddison, he is undoubtedly one of the most important ingredients in the Spurs side – the flour in the cake, if you like, vital and unseen.

The acquisitions of both players are just an illustration of the upward curve that Spurs are seeking to continue, embarking on a new journey under new leadership with a fresh vision and rekindled optimism.

Next summer, Levy will bolster Tottenham's ranks further, with centre-forward and central midfield signings likely, and given the judiciousness that is at the centre of the recent business, the future looks bright and the likes of Kulusevski will be at the heart of it.

Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy will not continue with the team past this summer despite being popular among the players.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy to leave
• Was a popular figure among the players
• Man Utd may sign Ruud van Nistelrooy

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  McCarthy joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 to work alongside new manager Erik ten Hag. During his first season with the Red Devils, the former South African striker was praised for his role in Marcus Rashford's return to form after two below-average seasons under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per The Athletic, McCarthy will not sign a new deal with Manchester United and will end his primary two-year contract. As per the report, the South African wants to become a manager again having been Cape Town City and AmaZulu's manager previously.

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The 20-time Premier League winners also parted ways with coach Eric Ramsay earlier this year as he joined Major League Soccer's Minnesota United. The Red Devils are now linked with former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as they look to replace the departing McCarthy. They will also look to make one more signing to their coaching team before the start of the pre-season.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Red Devils will be hoping to get their coaching team sorted out as soon as possible as they will want to have a seamless start to their pre-season preparations. They will begin with a clash against Rangers in Edinburgh on July 20 before their tour to the United States.

It was another bad day at the office for Chelsea on Sunday, and that's putting it lightly.

After shipping four goals away to Liverpool during the week, Mauricio Pochettino's side had the perfect opportunity to get back on track with a Premier League home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, despite taking a 1-0 lead within 20 minutes, the Blues managed to lose the game 4-2 and left the pitch to a cacophony of entirely warranted boos from their own supporters.

To a man, the team were poor, but there were two who managed to reach an even lower level, and if the Argentine wants to keep his job for a little while longer, he'd be wise to drop them for the FA Cup replay against Aston Villa this evening.

Enzo Fernández's game vs Wolves in numbers

The Pensioners' £107m World Cup winner had a game to forget at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and while he might not have been directly responsible for any of Wolves' goals, he was utterly ineffective.

So poor was his performance that the Standard's Nizaar Kinsella gave him a 4/10 on the day and argued he 'was poor defensively when Wolves were in transition'.

It's hard to disagree with Kinsella's assessment when the former Benfica man lost possession 12 times in the 101 minutes he spent on the pitch, which works out to losing the ball once every 8.4 minutes, which isn't good enough.

During the game, he was dribbled past once, committed two fouls, took one shot which was off target, mustered a paltry combined expected goal and assist figure of just 0.29 and was inaccurate with all three of his crosses.

In all, the Argentinian was incredibly underwhelming, and if he doesn't start dramatically improving before the end of the season, he'll quickly pick up the label of a big-money flop, which is a hard label to escape from in English football.

That said, there was a player who was even worse than Fernandez on Sunday, someone who has a genuine shout for being the worst player on the pitch, and by quite some way.

Malo Gusto's game vs Wolves in numbers

Chelsea's worst player on the day, and quite considerably so, was French right-back Malo Gusto.

The former Lyon man was a walking disaster on the day, failing to provide any substantive attacking threat whatsoever and living up to Get French Football News' description of him as a "liability" at the back.

In his 81 minutes on the pitch, he managed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.19, lost possession 12 times, won just two of his 12 ground duels, committed three fouls, was dribbled past three times and gave away the penalty that allowed Matheus Cunha to complete his hat-trick.

With statistics like that, it's not hard to see why Kinsella gave the 20-year-old a 3/10 for his efforts, arguing that 'the defender kept putting Chelsea in danger with his passing.'

Boehly and Eghbali hold internal talks as Chelsea weigh Pochettino decision

The club’s form simply hasn’t been good enough.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 6, 2024

Ultimately, while both players are still young and could well go on to become future stars for the Blues, their performances on Sunday warrant some time on the bench.

Aston Villa succumbed to another defeat to Manchester United. This time the final score was 2-1 in favour of the Old Trafford outfit.

The previous clash between the two clubs had come on Boxing Day and when Villa took a two-goal lead, it looked as though they were on course for victory.

Erik ten Hag’s men recovered to prevail 3-2 and the win over the weekend means the Red Devils have done the Premier League double over the Midlands side.

Unai Emery’s side were not at their fluent best, but they arguably could have salvaged a draw had Matty Cash not been caught out of position and beaten to the ball by Scott McTominay for the winner with just five minutes of normal time left.

Not only was he at fault for the goal, but the defender had a poor all-round match against United and this could perhaps change Emery’s thinking for the games ahead.

Matty Cash’s performance in numbers v Man Utd

Football FanCast took a deeper look into his performance against the Old Trafford side but to summarise, he was poor against the likes of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund during the clash.

4/10 Aston Villa star let Unai Emery down against Man Utd

Aston Villa suffered a late defeat to Manchester United on the weekend

By
Ross Kilvington

Feb 12, 2024

The right-back was even given a match rating of just 4/10 for his display by Birmingham World, while he was deemed to have endured a ‘sloppy first half’ and that ‘Rashford ran rings around him’ throughout the match.

Indeed, Cash lost possession a grand total of 17 times, while winning just three of his 12 contested duels, and he even received a yellow card for good measure, ensuring it was a tough day for the English-born-Poland international.

While Emery hardly has a plethora of options to replace Cash on the right side of the defence, another performance like that could cost Villa even more points in the future.

It wasn’t just the 26-year-old who let his manager down over the weekend, as several others failed to truly showcase their true talents.

Ollie Watkins had a rare off day, missing two big chances during the tie along with winning just two out of his 14 contested duels and succeeding with only one of his six dribble attempts.

Perhaps the most wasteful player in the Villa starting XI was Jacob Ramsey, and he must be replaced for the clash against Fulham at the weekend.

Jacob Ramsey's performance in numbers v Man Utd

The £70k-per-week midfielder started on the left wing and his role was to not only provide plenty of opportunities for Watkins but to also create a few openings for himself during the match.

Not only did the Englishman fail to create a big chance or make any key passes, but he also attempted zero dribble attempts, lost possession 11 times and completed 86% of his passes.

Ramsey clearly fancied his chances of getting on the scoresheet, taking a total of five shots against United, yet only one of them was on target and that about summed up his afternoon in what was another poor performance.

The most glaring opportunity came in the second half. Leon Bailey charged forward and then slid the ball through to the young Englishman who failed the gather the ball under his spell. Had Ramsey done so, it was an easy finish in front of Andre Onana. That was just one of 11 times he gave the ball away, once every 5 minutes of the clash.

In 18 appearances in all competitions during 2023/24, Ramsey has scored just once and provided one assist. Not the numbers that Emery would have wanted and, while some benefit must go down to the fact he has missed eight games with a foot injury, more is expected considering he is fit.

The Fulham clash is now looking even more important, but Ramsey could well be replaced. The question is, who comes into the starting XI for the 22-year-old on the weekend?

The players who could replace Jacob Ramsey

Perhaps the most obvious choice wouldn’t be to bring a new player into the left-wing role, but to shift John McGinn out wide and deploy either Youri Tielemans or Moussa Diaby as the number ten against the Cottagers.

McGinn has played on the left a total of 14 times during the current season, scoring five goals and adding an assist, and this looks like the most logical option for Emery.

Failing that, bringing Nicolo Zaniolo back into the starting XI could be another option for the Spaniard as he seeks three points against Fulham.

The Italian was brought on against United with just ten minutes to go and wasn’t exactly given enough time to shine, yet he still completed 100% of his passes and the run out could stand him in good stead ahead of a potential start.

The 24-year-old has not featured as much as he’d have liked since joining on a season-long loan deal from Galatasaray last summer, starting just 11 of his 27 matches thus far.

Zaniolo does rank in the top ten among the Villa squad for shots per game (1.2) which shows he is always keen on having an attempt at goal, while over the previous 365 days in Europe’s top five leagues, the 24-year is currently ranked in the top 1% for progressive carries and touches in the opposition box per 90, while ranking in the top 11% for shot-creating actions and successful take-ons per 90 when compared to positional peers.

These statistics clearly prove that the attacking midfielder certainly deserves to be unleashed from the start against the London side this Saturday as Villa chase three crucial points.

With Europa Conference League football fast approaching too, Emery will need to be careful with his side, as squad rotation will be imperative to success.

The depth of the Villa first-team squad is not the greatest across a number of positions at the moment and this is something the 52-year-old will be looking to fix during the summer transfer window.

Until then, however, he can only use who is at his disposal. Following Ramsey’s poor display against United last weekend, changes must be made and this could see Zaniolo come back into the starting XI.

He may not make a huge impact, but surely changing things up will give Villa a greater chance of securing another win in the Premier League, otherwise, they will just be playing with a player who is currently out of form.

Former player and pundit Jamie O'Hara slammed England captain Harry Kane and accused him of being 'lazy' against Switzerland.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• O'Hara slams Kane
• Called England captain lazy
• Compared the striker's performance to that of Ronaldo's at Euro 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Bayern Munich star's poor form at Euro 2024 continued as he failed to find the back of the net during England's quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday. Kane displayed an uninspiring performance in the attacking third throughout the game and was eventually subbed off in the 109th minute as Ivan Toney replaced him up front.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  O'Hara was left unimpressed by the Three Lions skipper as he accused the forward of being 'lazy' and 'annoying' on the pitch. The ex-Tottenham midfielder went on to compare Kane to Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo who has been criticised throughout the Euros for being ineffective for the Selecao. The Al-Nassr star's campaign ended on Friday after losing to France and for the time in his career, Ronaldo ended up without scoring a single goal in a major tournament.

• WHAT JAMIE O'HARA SAID

  Speaking to talkSPORT, the 37-year-old said, "He doesn't look fit, he's being lazy. He's really annoying me. I'm worried that we've got a Ronaldo in the team, and that we have to play him.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR HARRY KANE?

  Gareth Southgate's side ended up winning the clash on penalties in the end as they booked their berth in the last-four stage. Kane and England will now be next seen in action on July 10 against the winner of the quarter-final tie between Netherlands and Turkey.

Weston McKennie has a new Premier League suitor, with Everton the latest side from England to “survey” the United States international.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Turned down chance to join Villans
• Into final year of Bianconeri contract
• Saudi Pro League sides show interest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The USMNT star has entered the final year of his contract at Serie A giants Juventus. No fresh terms have been agreed in Turin, with the Bianconeri now open to a sale. McKennie has been linked with clubs around the world.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aston Villa appeared set to agree a deal at one stage, in a part-exchange package involving Douglas Luiz, but McKennie turned down the chance to join the Champions League-bound Villans. Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with interest, while the 25-year-old has been urged to consider a move to MLS.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  are now reporting that Everton are keen on the former Leeds United loanee. They are said to be casting an eye over the versatile American, along with clubs from the Saudi Pro League – who would be able to put a lucrative contract offer on the table.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  McKennie is, however, in rush to make a decision on his future – having only recently finished Copa America duty with his country – and is yet to receive an approach that meets his “wishes”. Juve remain eager to sanction a sale that will free up space and funds in their squad.