Leeds fans react to arrival of Ajax defender

Leeds United announced on Monday afternoon that they had completed the signing of Pascal Struijk from Ajax on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 18-year-old has been capped at Under-17 level by the Netherlands, and will go straight into the Leeds Under-23 squad for their clash against Birmingham City on Friday.

On the face of it, a Championship club signing a youngster from Ajax is quite exciting. Well, it should be for the team’s supporters.

However, the Leeds fans reacted pretty negatively to the deal for Struijk.

Indeed, with the first team losing three of their last four Championship matches, the club’s supporters want to see some established players arriving at Elland Road before the end of the January transfer window.

Leeds are still ninth in the Championship table – just five points off the playoffs – but they face a real battle to break into the top six this season.

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Let’s hope that Struijk was not reading the reaction to his arrival on Monday afternoon. A selection of the Twitter responses can be seen below:

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Revealed: Slim majority of Spurs fans want Rose to start over Davies vs Liverpool

Few teams in Europe boast the same quality and depth at full-back as Tottenham Hotspur. Despite losing Kyle Walker to Manchester City during the summer, Mauricio Pochettino still has two fantastic options for either side of the pitch.

That, however, does leave the Spurs boss with key selection decisions to make for every game, so we decided to take the responsibility away from Pochettino earlier this week and give it to Lilywhites supporters – asking them whether Danny Rose or Ben Davies should start at left-back.

And although it remains to be seen if the dynamic England international is fit enough to be involved on Sunday, the slightest majority of Tottenham fans – 53% – want him to replace Davies, who started last time out against Manchester United, for the Anfield clash  – according to our poll.

The Wales international, who Transfermarkt value at £16.2million, has featured more frequently this season due to Rose’s injury problems but it appears Tottenham fans still prefer the 27-year-old at No.3.

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In Focus: Azmoun could be a decent option for Liverpool

Who is Sardar Azmoun?

The 23-year-old is a striker who is currently enjoying his second spell with the Russian side, Rubin Kazan. Indeed, the forward spent three seasons with Rostov – Kazan’s rivals in the Russian Premier League. During his time with Rostov, the forward amassed a commendable total of 25 goals in 77 appearances.

Additionally, he is incredibly popular with Iran’s national team. Despite his age, Azmoun is Iran’s fifth highest goalscorer of all time. In 30 appearances for his country, the Iranian has scored a stunning 22 goals.

What would he bring?

The forward is primarily regarded for his proficiency when competing in aerial duels. Moreover, he is an incredibly capable finisher.

He is renowned for being a threat when set-pieces are being played, and he has also displayed a tendency to dribble and produce intelligent flick-ons.

While he may not be of sufficient quality to start for Liverpool, he would certainly be a useful option for Klopp to bring on from the bench.

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Considering Azmoun’s age, he is far from reaching the pinnacle of his career, and a move for the forward could be a useful investment from the Reds’ perspective.

In Focus: Newcastle should look to rekindle Gameiro move given his current situation

Newcastle United’s reported January target Kevin Gameiro, valued at £18m according to Transfermarkt, started and scored in Atletico Madrid’s 4-1 win against FC Copenhagen in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday night, and despite his success in that competition the Magpies should still consider making a move for him in the summer – if they stay up.

The Express were one of a number of media outlets claiming that the Tyneside outfit were lining up a deal to bring the Frenchman to St James’ Park during the January transfer window, as Rafa Benitez was desperate to sign a striker before the deadline.

A move never materialised though, and despite the fact that he started alongside Antoine Griezmann and scored against the Danish outfit on Thursday, he has been an unused substitute in their previous three La Liga matches.

That suggests that Gameiro, whose contract is due to expire in 2020, is still relatively out of favour under Diego Simeone for the La Liga giants, and an exit could still be on the cards for him in the summer.

With Islam Slimani only on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season and no permanent deal on the table for the 29-year-old as of yet, Benitez may well be looking for a new striker once again in the summer if his side retain their Premier League status, and rekindling a move for Gameiro could be an attractive option.

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The Frenchman showed the quality he has in his locker on Thursday and with Sevilla previously, and he could prove to be a succcess in the Premier League given the ability that he clearly has.

Revealed: 47% of Man United fans want Lindelof to partner Eric Bailly

In our poll on Tuesday, we asked Manchester United fans who they thought should partner Eric Bailly at the heart of the United defence.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is slowly returning from an ankle injury which has kept him out since November, having played just under 10 minutes of action against Chelsea on Sunday, but it remains to be seen who manager Jose Mourinho will partner him with for the remainder of the season.

Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling have been Mourinho’s go-to men for United’s last few games, with the Swede and the England international  getting the nod for Sunday’s win over Chelsea, the draw with Sevilla in the Champions League and the victory over Huddersfield in the FA Cup fifth round.

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Phil Jones has been out of favour, meanwhile, since he left Matt Ritchie unmarked for Newcastle’s winner in a 1-0 defeat on February 10th.

Chris Smalling’s place is not thought to be secure though, with reports emerging after the January 31st defeat to Tottenham that the defender defied Mourinho’s tactical instructions.

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It’s not surprising, then, that Lindelof is United fans’ most popular choice to pair with Bailly, with 47% of fans choosing the £22.5m-rated centre-half.

Here is the full results from our poll below:

Jose Mourinho’s surprising comments on the importance of the North West derby are spot on

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that the two forthcoming matches against Brighton and Sevilla have more importance than the 2-1 victory over the club’s bitter rivals Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the story?

As per the Guardian, Mourinho has claimed that the do or die nature of the knockout ties that will take place at Old Trafford this week when Sevilla and then Brighton and Hove Albion visit in two different competitions makes them more important than the league meeting with the club’ fiercest rivals Liverpool.

Sevilla travel to face United in second leg of their last 16 Champions League match after the first leg finished 0-0 before Chris Hughton brings the Seagulls to Old Trafford to compete for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Although the Liverpool match appeared to electrify United and their fans as they tightened their grip on second place, Mourinho points to the fact that there would are still eight more league matches where the top four will be decided. Sevilla and Brighton are “die or live” matches.

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Mourinho is absolutely right

Manchester United v Liverpool is the biggest game of the season for both sides – it is the one they don’t want to lose – but in simple terms, a defeat would be recoverable.

A defeat for United would have been deeply disappointing and would have affected the mood around the club but a good run of form between now and the end of the league season would likely see them achieve their basic objective of qualifying for the Champions League next time around.

However, their hopes of a trophy rest on their next two fixtures. I don’t expect them to win the Champions League but having gone through a grueling Europa League campaign last season just to qualify for it, going out at the last sixteen stage would feel unsatisfactory.

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Old Trafford is demanding of big European nights and there hasn’t been one since David Moyes lined his United up against Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich side in 2014. They are expected to make the last eight.

The FA Cup is their most realistic chance of a trophy and three of the big six are out. United can’t ask for much more than a home tie to earn a place in the last four so it becomes a massive fixture at the end of a massive week.

Yes, for the fans, the north west derby is the one they want to win and do not want to lose at any cost, but for the bigger picture of United’s season, the next two matches are much more important.

Arsenal fans debate whether the club need a new goalkeeper

Petr Cech has been Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper since his move from Chelsea in 2015, but questions have arisen over his longevity at the Emirates.

The 35-year-old has remained first choice in the Premier League this season, while manager Arsene Wenger has handed cup duties to David Ospina.

On occasion, Cech has struggled for consistency and has been guilty of making a few mistakes in between the sticks.

A recent report in The Sun claimed that Arsenal are considering a £25m swoop for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno this summer.

With the transfer window edging closer, the North London outfit could end up making a number of changes to the playing personnel, particularly as some will be out of contract.

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Jack Wilshere is one of Arsenal’s footballers who will be a free agent, and the fans have made it clear that they want the midfielder to sign a new deal.

With the goalkeeping issue also at the forefront of the supporters’ minds, a discussion has been held on Reddit about the potential future of Cech.

Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.Comment from discussion Peter Cech conceded 41 goals from 39.5 expected goals conceded. De gea prevented 14.3 goals.[opta]. Dont know about manager, but we do need to sign a GK this summer.

Ex-Tottenham defender tips Vertonghen for Player of the Year

Harry Kane is widely regarded as the talisman at Tottenham Hotspur due to his scintillating form in front of goal over the last few seasons.The England international has been the Premier League’s top scorer over the past two campaigns and he could claim his third in the coming weeks, but he will have to overcome Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.The Egyptian currently leads the way with 29, five more than Kane, who recently had a spell on the sidelines with injury.Even though the striker is deemed Tottenham’s best player, former defender Graham Roberts believes that another member of the team deserves to be named the club’s Player of the Year.https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/harry-kane-100.mp4On Twitter, the 58-year-old suggested that Jan Vertonghen should be handed the accolade for his performances in defence this season.Much of the campaign has been focused on the centre-back’s partner Toby Alderwerield due to the Belgian’s ongoing contract situation.Vertonghen has been going about his business away from the radar but his consistently strong displays in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed.

Leeds United without seven players for Fulham clash, fans react

After a dismal four-game winless run in the Championship, Leeds United restored some faith in their campaign with a much-needed victory over Bolton Wanderers on Good Friday.

The Yorkshire outfit remain outsiders to push for a playoff spot as they reside 10 points adrift of the top six, but the triumph provides a boost to the team ahead of their final seven matches of the season.

This evening, Paul Heckingbottom’s side are back in action as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The team have somewhat of a disadvantage given that the manager will be without seven players, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

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The publication claims that Liam Cooper could miss the rest of the season due to a muscle tear that he suffered last week.

Adam Forshaw will also be unavailable this evening due to a calf problem that has hampered him on and off since January.

The fans have been left frustrated by the midfielder’s injury, but that feeling is expected to worsen when they consider that seven players will be missing tonight.

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As well as the aforementioned pair, the Whites will be without Laurens De Bock, Tyler Roberts, Conor Shaughnessy, Luke Ayling and Kemar Roofe.

Ahead of the match, Leeds supporters have been tweeting their thoughts on the growing injury list.

Arsenal Under-18s reach FA Youth Cup final, fans react

Arsenal have once again had their problems this season, and they look set to miss out on a top-four finish in the Premier League for a second year running.

Manager Arsene Wenger has come under fire from the fans for the senior team’s dismal away form.

Following Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, it emerged that the Gunners are the only club in England’s top four divisions not to pick up a single point away from home in 2018.

The North London outfit are sixth in the standings, but with five games left to play they are feeling pressure from seventh-placed Burnley, who sit just two points behind.

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The only shining light for the senior team is their Europa League campaign, which sees them competing against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals next week.

If Arsenal win the second-tiered European competition, then they will secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Elsewhere at the North London club, the Under-18s are in the mood to celebrate having secured their place in the FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea.

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The promising stars of the future earned a 5-0 win over Blackpool, and they head into the showpiece next month with the aim of ending Chelsea’s four-year dominance in the competition.

Understandably, Arsenal fans were delighted for the youngsters, but they also could not help but throw digs at the senior team.

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