[ad_pod ]

Paul Glatzel continues to knock on the door of the Liverpool first-team after a stunning display for the club’s Under-23s at the weekend.

The 18-year-old scored against Bournemouth in the Premier League Cup to continue his brilliant form for both the Under-23s and the Under-18s this season.

A confident striker, he has scored seven goals in the Premier League Cup alone this season, in just four games, spanning both age groups, including a hat-trick against Southampton in a 3-0 win.

That was his third treble of the season, after hitting two for the Under-18s, against Accrington Stanley in the FA Youth Cup and West Brom in the U18 Premier League.

In addition to his Premier League Cup exploits, Glatzel has notched up 16 goals in the U-18 Premier League, UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2 this season.

Such is his precocious talent, Glatzel is currently captain of the U18 team and is making repeated forays into the upper age group.

Born in Liverpool, he holds dual heritage as his parents are German, and he has been capped at youth level by both England and Germany. He has won two caps for England’s Under-16 side, with his debut coming in 2016, but he was called up by Germany’s Under-18s in November of 2018 and played 45 minutes in a 1-0 win over Cyprus.

And his talents have not gone unnoticed on Merseyside, either. Just last week, Glatzel signed his first professional contract with the club and has already shown the resilience that will stand him in good stead in the first-team, having battled back from a broken leg sustained a couple of seasons ago.

Academy director Alex Inglethorpe has hailed his potential and believes that, if his development continues apace, he could one day have to decide between Germany and England’s senior team.

Quoted by the Liverpool Echo, he said: “Paul fell off the radar probably when he was about 14 or 15. It happens with some lads, you go through your growth spurt and he couldn’t have had any more bad luck really.

“It was one thing after another culminating in him breaking his leg. The support staff and the fitness coaches have been great in just monitoring his load a little bit throughout the year so he’s got stronger and stronger as we’ve gone on.

“He’s been on both England and Germany camps at youth level so if he’s lucky enough he’ll have a big choice to make at some point.”

A brilliant goal-getter, resilient, and clearly ready to make the step up, Glatzel could be the next Liverpool academy star to break into the first-team.

أفادت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن الدولي الفرنسي عثمان ديمبلي مهاجم برشلونة الإسباني، قريب جدًا من الرحيل إلى مانشستر يونايتد، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.

الجناح الفرنسي عاد وشارك في مباراة برشلونة أمام فياريال يوم الأحد الماضي، ضمن الجولة الثانية بالدوري الإسباني، والأولى لـ البلوجرانا هذا الموسم.

طالع أيضًا.. بوروسيا دورتموند يقضي على فرص مانشستر يونايتد في ضم سانشو

صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، أفادت أن ديمبلي قد يتحرك خلال الساعات القليلة المقبلة إلى مانشستر يونايتد، مغادرًا برشلونة، من أجل الانضمام إلى الشياطين الحمر.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن برشلونة على وشك حسم الصفقة مع مانشستر يونايتد، وسيكون الهدف من ذلك، تمويل عملية انتقال ممفيس ديباي إلى البلوجرانا.

ووفقًا لما أفادت به الصحيفة، أن برشلونة سيقبل عرضًا يتراوح بين 50 أو 60 مليون يورو للتخلي عن ديمبلي، مبلغ من شأنه أن يساعد النادي الكتالوني من أجل التعاقد مع ممفيس ديباي.

ورحل سواريز وراكيتيتش وفيدال عن برشلونة، ولكن الثلاثي لم ينعش خزائن النادي الكتالوني، الذي يسعى لحسم صفقة ديباي لتعزيز مركز الهجوم.

ومن المفترض أن رئيس نادي ليون الفرنسي، أكد أن يوم الجمعة المقبل سيكون آخر يوم لمغادرة أي لاعب من الفريق، مما جعل برشلونة يتسرع من أجل تحقيق رغبة كومان بضم ديباي.

[ad_pod ]

Charlie Wyke has desperately struggled to live up to expectation at Sunderland this season, but Keith Curle’s admission suggests that the reasons behind his form lie within Jack Ross’ approach.

What’s the word?

Wyke has struggled to find his feet at the Stadium of Light since completing his transfer from Bradford City last summer.

His decent goal scoring record at both Bradford and Carlisle hinted that Jack Ross had secured the services of a future talisman, but he has been incredibly underwhelming so far.

Curle, who managed the 26-year-old during their time together at Carlisle, has suggested that his struggle to find the net is symptomatic of the Sunderland manager’s preferred playing style, as per Sunderland Echo.

“Charlie needs a run of games and to be able to build up a relationship with a strike partner, and the team needs to put balls in the box.

“He’s better playing in a two. Charlie hasn’t got pace, so he won’t get away from people and run the channels.”

Ross’ preference for a lone striker is bad news for Wyke

The Black Cats are well in the hunt for automatic promotion this season as they seek to bounce back to the Championship at the first time of asking, and that’s largely down to Ross’ influence since taking charge last summer.

If Curle’s recent comments are anything to go by, it would appear that the Sunderland manager’s preference to operate with a 4-2-3-1 formation is serving as a detriment to Wyke’s form.

Naturally, the striker’s form can partly be explained by the injury problems he has experienced this season, but without a strike partner to bounce off he may continue to disappoint on Wearside.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Time will tell whether Curle has a point, but there is plenty of evidence from Wyke’s time at Sunderland so far to prove there is a weight of substance behind his claim.

[ad_pod ]

Football Fancast is embarking on a new series, in which we take a look at some of the hottest young prospects currently playing in the Championship…

Today, we’re taking a look at a man who is enjoying the best season of his career to date, Che Adams.

The Birmingham City hotshot has been in ridiculous form since the turn of the year, scoring ten of his 21 league goals in just nine appearances and inevitably attracting interest from the Premier League in the process.

Adams’ 21 strikes means he has already bettered his previous best league tally by 14 goals, turning the heads of Manchester United, Arsenal, Southampton and Burnley – the Saints saw an £8m bid rebuffed in the January window, whilst the Clarets saw a £12m offer rejected.

Garry Monk’s star man also hit six goals in just five appearances throughout February, displaying scarily good form and showcasing a steady improvement over the years which suggests that he will only get better.

The 22-year-old is a physical powerhouse, who possesses a fierce long-shot and raw pace which makes him a real difficulty to defend against – clearly, the defenders in the Championship are struggling massively.

Adams can also operate as an attacking midfielder, and has a decent eye for a pass to go with his sharpness in front of goal. His ability to mix it up and sometimes take a step back from the No.9 role into a deeper No.10 role will stand him in good stead when a move to the top-flight inevitably comes around.

Additionally, his willingness to run the channels and use his pace efficiently is akin to that of a young Jamie Vardy, who, as we all know, is a lethal top-flight striker despite spending a decent chunk of his career in the lower leagues.

Adams would be wise to study the 32-year-old Premier League winner if he were to make a move to England’s highest level in the near future.

يستعد فريق الكرة بنادي الزمالك لخوض مواجهة قوية أمام منافسه سموحة في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما غدًا الاثنين ضمن منافسات كأس مصر.

ويلتقي الزمالك أمام سموحة ضمن منافسات دور الـ16 من المسابقة المحلية، على أرضية استاد الإسماعيلية.

ويرغب فريق الكرة بالزمالك للفوز على سموحة والتأهل لدور الثمانية ومواصلة طريقه نحو الفوز بالبطولة المفضل والتي حققها الموسم الماضي على حساب بيراميدز.

كما يسعى البرتغالي باتشيكو لتحقيق الفوز والتأكيد على جاهزية بعض اللاعبين في ثاني اختباراته الفنية بعد توليه منصب المدير الفني خلفًا لباتريس كارتيرون.

طالع | أول رد من مرتضى منصور على قرار إيقافه 4 سنوات

ويتسلح الزمالك بعودة مهاجمه الشاب مصطفى محمد بعدما غاب عن مباراة المصري الماضية بسبب شعوره بالإجهاد، ولكنه شارك في في التدريبات الجماعية للقلعة البيضاء.

ومن المتوقع أن يدفع المدرب البرتغالي بعدد من اللاعبين الجدد، خاصة في ظل غياب الثنائي أشرف بن شرقي وفرجاني ساسي، بسبب انضمامهما لمنتخبي المغرب وتونس.

ويلعب بن شرقي مع منتخب المغرب الذي انضم له لخوض مباراتين خلال المعسكر أمام السنغال يوم 9 أكتوبر الجاري ثم الكونغو يوم 13 من نفس الشهر.

فيما يلعب فرجاني ساسي مع منتخب تونس في مباراتين وديتين يومي 9 و13 أكتوبر أمام السودان في تونس، والثانية أمام نيجيريا في النمسا.

بينما يخطط فريق سموحة لتحقيق مفاجأة جديدة كما حدث في المباراة الأخيرة بين الفريقين بعدما استطاع الفريق التعادل بنتيجة 3-3 رغم تأخره بنتيجة 3-1.

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Tottenham fans have been running the rule over Saturday’s derby draw, and they’re not too happy with a decision that Mauricio Pochettino keeps making during recent games.

Tottenham kept a safe distance between themselves and Arsenal on Saturday, rescuing a point from a dramatic affair at Wembley.

The Gunners took the lead in the first half through a superb finish from Aaron Ramsey, and Bernd Leno made an excellent double save to deny both Christian Eriksen and Moussa Sissoko.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

Harry Kane then levelled the scores from the penalty spot, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang couldn’t match the Englishman’s accomplishment, as his late spot kick was saved by Hugo Lloris.

While Lloris and Jan Vertonghen, who cleared off the line after the Frenchman’s penalty save, were the heroes, fans aren’t too happy with Pochettino for using Erik Lamela off the bench instead of Lucas Moura, something he has done in three games straight.

Lucas started the season in scintillating form, producing one of the performances of the season at Old Trafford, but the Brazilian speedster has played just 12 total minutes across the last three matches.

Fans would match rather see Lucas introduced for a late spark than the walking yellow card that is Lamela, as you can see from the Twitter reactions down below…

It isn’t the easiest of teams, but Tottenham should be grateful for drawing Manchester City in the Champions League.

For the first time in nearly a decade, four Premier League teams will be involved in the final eight of the most prestigious tournament in club football, and for Spurs, they might be one of the few examples of teams to benefit from drawing an English team.

It will be easy to say City are the favourites for this tie. Pep Guardiola’s side have been the best team in the country for the best part of two years, and on recent head-to-head records, the Citizens have been the better side with the current Premier League holders beating Spurs in the past three meetings.

Champions League experience also favours the blue side of Manchester. Since becoming a regular Champions League side, City has made the semi-finals and quarter-finals in the past three seasons, whereas Spurs will be making their first last eight appearances in eight years.

It is important to note, too, that last season City were put to the sword in the Champions League by an English side, Liverpool, who went all the way to the final.

Spurs might not be in the best patch of form against City in recent games, past history shows the north London side are a team capable of beating the Manchester side. Indeed, the timing of the Champions League games will also be helpful for Spurs, as in between each leg the two sides will meet each other in the Premier League, a game Guardiola will be eager to win as City keep on their hunt for a successive league title.

This league game could be what Spurs need in order to sneak past Manchester City and reach their first European semi-final in over 30 years.

As well as luck in the scheduling, Spurs will be hosting Man City, not at Wembley Stadium, a ground Sergio Aguero and co have flourished at in previous seasons, but at the new Tottenham Stadium, which is set to open in April.

The atmosphere will be electric if the game does take place at the new ground, and with it being close enough to the old White Hart Lane Spurs players might find it easier than most other teams when adapting to the new stadium.

Tottenham fans, are you confident for the Champions League quarter-finals? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

[ad_pod ]

Non-league starlet Conner Rennison is attracting the interest of a host of clubs throughout England with Barnsley reportedly monitoring the Hartlepool midfielder, according to TEAMtalk.

What’s the word?

Barnsley are just one of many teams interested in the player’s signature according to Teamtalk’s report. The other clubs chasing the 16-year-old closely are Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Leeds. Portsmouth, Hull, Bristol City and Sunderland are also keen.

There is no shortage of interest in the young prodigy who due to his age is not under contract, and as a result can leave for free this summer.

The youngster is yet to play for the Hartlepool first team but has been a key figure for the U18s who are in title contention in the Youth Alliance League after beating Chesterfield just over a week ago. Rennison was involved in one of the goals there and has just recently returned from a niggling calf injury.

Barnsley to continue tradition of developing young talent

The Reds have an incredibly young squad with the eldest of players being aged just 26, so it’s clearly a club who like to and aren’t afraid to place their trust in youth.

Therefore it would be extremely likely to see their interest in Rennison materialise over the summer. With their history of developing young talent, it would be the perfect move for all parties.

Jacob Brown, 20, a player who scored a late winner for the club at the weekend, has become one player on an extensive list of players to enjoy their youth development at the club. However, others have used it as a stepping stone with John Stones of Manchester City and Mason Holgate of Everton coming through the academy at Barnsley too.

James Bree of Aston Villa is another whilst Leicester’s Harvey Barnes and Stoke’s Jack Butland used a loan spell with the Tykes to further their careers as well.

Signing Rennison would be the perfect example of Barnsley’s transfer business and philosophy of developing young players. If they were to secure him ahead of club’s like Newcastle and Leeds, it would be a big statement.

[ad_pod ]

Crystal Palace host bitter rivals Brighton at Selhurst Park on Saturday in what promises to be a fantastic contest which both sides will fancy their chances of winning. The Eagles, though, can make their lives a lot easier by giving Jeffrey Schlupp one simple instruction that he should be able to execute pretty comfortably.

On the chalkboard

For the teams who cannot afford to throw millions at the transfer market in order to get the cream of the crop through the door and play sublime football, getting the ball out to the wings and then into the box is a surefire way to cause those aforementioned big spenders problems and thereby level the playing field.

Brighton know this and are keen to do so if their attack areas are anything to go by – WhoScored states that just 22% of the Seagulls’ attacks are down the middle, making them one of the most wing-reliant teams in the league.

Luckily for Palace, they have Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and it will always take something special to get the better of the number 29; the same cannot be said for Patrick van Aanholt on the opposite flank.

Schlupp for it

While van Aanholt’s attacking prowess makes him a threat going forward, he can be caught out in defence sometimes and no doubt their opposition at the weekend will look to take advantage.

Schlupp’s big role to play, then, is to offer his former competition at left-back ample protection when Brighton look to hit them down the wing. The Ghanaian has been reaping the rewards of his new position in central midfield although he may be forced to return to his wide berth once again if Palace want to focus on Brighton’s attacking qualities instead.

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

Roy Hodgson may want the 26-year-old in the side for his recently-acquired eye for goal but his defensive work will be essential on Saturday – it is equally important for Palace to not lose this game as to win it and they can avoid the former by helping each other out at the back as best as possible.

[ad_pod ]

Arsenal fell into a state of predictability under Arsene Wenger both on and off the field: an outdated philosophy was religiously applied to a squad which was seldom shaken up by the arrival of a marquee signing; the promotion of youth reigned supreme. “The problem with Arsenal is they always try and walk it into the net”. Boring, boring, Arsenal.

Inevitably and paradoxically, Wenger’s own success was conducive to his demise.

Rather than being taken out in an instant by a camouflaged sniper, the French legend’s character assassination was open for spectators to feast their eyes over during a number of years. As another Arsenal fan TV clip went viral on social media featuring actual grown men willingly signing up for yet another slice of public humiliation, a piece of Wenger’s credibility was removed.

But the three-time Premier League title winner stood firm and by his principles, until less than six months before his watch came to an end. Wenger stood before his sworn brothers a broken man, battered and tired of the familiar narrative, before confirming that Mesut Ozil had been awarded a £350,000 per week contract amid fears that he could leave the club.

This was an aberration in the Wenger era but one deemed necessary after losing Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United just a few days before. The figure was unprecedented for a club who had seemingly been unwilling to join their top-four rivals in offering mega wages to star players.

With the benefit of hindsight, though, Arsenal will be deeply regretting their decision to break the mould which they had kneaded for themselves. Ozil has fallen from grace at a rate akin to that which 99% of reality TV stars experience exactly four weeks after they disappear from our screens, and the club’s hierarchy may well be questioning whether they should have caved to pressure from supporters who vehemently called for a new deal.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

Alex Iwobi is a fine example of how promoting from within can be incredibly cost effective. The Nigeria international may not unanimously scoop the plaudits for his style of play, but in terms of value for money he serves as a quintessential example of why promoting youth remains at the core of Arsenal’s DNA.

That Unai Emery has consistently trusted the 22-year-old this season – including in games against top-six rivals – underlines how highly he is regarded by the Spanish tactician. And when directly placed under the microscope alongside Ozil it’s clear to see exactly how dramatically Arsenal’s agreement with the enigmatic playmaker has backfired.

The above comparison demonstrates how the numbers simply don’t add up. Just over ten minutes of football for Iwobi is worth just one minute of Ozil’s time on the pitch; Ozil’s goals have been seven times more expensive than Iwobi’s; there is little to separate Iwobi’s yearly salary from the price of a single Ozil assist.

The master is not justifying this mind-boggling financial disparity over the apprentice.

A break in the trend was perhaps only a temporary blip: Emery’s willingness to stay true to club principles has manifested itself through the selection of academy prospects Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka.

Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Bernd Leno – earning £40k, £75k and £100k per week respectively – all represented progressive signings with the long-term firmly at the heart of the decision-making process.

In light of the disastrous panic-stricken decision to offer Ozil a bumper new deal – one made with a warped perception that somehow his experience compensated for the lack of leadership credentials which the club are craving – it’s fair to say that there is now concrete financial evidence to vindicate Emery’s emphasis on providing opportunities for young players.

Perhaps Wenger was ahead of the curve all along.