All posts by h79snht.top

Tottenham are set for a busy summer transfer window, and their fans have been discussing a possible swoop for Florian Thauvin.

Last week, a report from RMC Sport claimed Tottenham were one of three clubs eyeing a move for Marseille’s Thauvin.

The former Newcastle winger, who has been included in the French World Cup squad over the likes of Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet, had an incredible season in Ligue 1, and could be tempted redeem himself in the Premier League.

The 25 year-old was quite simply a flop at Newcastle, but has gone back to Marseille and grabbed a remarkable 37 goals and 20 assists in 73 league appearances over the last two seasons.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]

His goalscoring output was particularly impressive in 2017-18, as he found the net 25 times in all competitions, and was an integral part in his side’s run to the Europa League final.

Spurs fans are of course dreaming of a reunion with Gareth Bale, but Thauvin is younger, cheaper, and less likely to get injured.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fans clearly agree with this judgement, as a whopping 70 per cent said they would back a move for the man who averaged 3.4 dribbles and 2.2 key passes per game last season.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel shone in Denmark’s 1-0 win against Peru in their opening 2018 World Cup match on Saturday, and Arsenal fans have urged their club to make a surprise swoop for the 31-year-old.The Gunners look to be in the market for a new keeper this summer having been heavily linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen stopper Bernd Leno, with Petr Cech perhaps no longer being considered good enough to start on a regular basis.Schmeichel certainly has plenty of Premier League experience with the Foxes and a title win under his belt, and he impressed with a clean sheet against the South American nation on Saturday, also playing a part in seeing a penalty kick fly over his crossbar.Arsenal supporters, who are also desperate for their club to sign another 22-year-old World Cup star, were quick to have their say on the Dane’s display via social media, and while one said “we need him”, another said “Kasper Schmeichel can replace Cech”.Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”256266″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Three reasons we love to hate… Spain”]

Stoke City are interested in signing Brentford winger Sergi Canos, according to The Daily Mail (27/06, 14:44).

What’s the story?

The former Liverpool youngster signed for Brentford in 2017 and went on to make 30 appearances for the Bees, scoring three goals and assisting two last season.

The 21-year-old pacy winger is reportedly one of three wingers that new Stoke boss Gary Rowett wants to sign this summer, with James McClean one of the other two.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257601″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Stoke City’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Championship season”]

Is he worth it?

Canos is valued at £1.8million on Tranfermarkt, but Brentford would likely ask for more considering he only joined the club last year.

How far will England get in Russia? Tell us now and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

While the winger does offer searing pace going forward, he has a lot of work to do on his end product and so far hasn’t lived up to the promise he showed early in his career.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It’s possible that Rowett is looking at Canos as an impact substitute which would make sense because he isn’t yet showing the quality that Stoke need to take them back to the top.

However, he would be an expensive Championship substitute and Stoke could be better off looking at loaning a Premier League youngster instead of spending some of their precious millions.

Manchester United fans have been impressed with Timo Werner’s performances for Germany at the World Cup and would like to sign him this summer.

The 22-year-old attacker has started both of Germany’s matches in the group stages so far, part of the side that netted a dramatic winner against Sweden on Saturday night.

The RB Leipzig man hasn’t netted himself at the summer tournament so far but has been one of his team’s main attacking outlets, both on the left flank and through the middle.

At club level he was impressive last season too, netting 21 times in all competitions and emerging as one of the premier talents in the Bundesliga.

Man United fans are now eager for the club to make a move for him this summer, believing he has the talent to former a partnership with the ever impressive Romelu Lukaku, who is showing excellent form in Russia.

Supporters have take to Twitter recently to share their thoughts on it all…

[ad_pod ]

Jose Mourinho has an incredible squad of players to choose from at Old Trafford, but that doesn’t mean that everyone isn’t expendable. To the contrary, there are a few players within the squad that should be facing an uncertain fate this summer, and one individual that must be having his future considered is Argentina ace Marcos Rojo.

Rojo, who is rated at £16.2 million by Transfer Markt, is currently away on World Cup duty in Russia, and he’s looked good, yet perhaps it’s time that the Red Devils cashed in on him.

After all, having enjoyed a stellar World Cup, his value isn’t likely to get any higher. He, of course, scored the goal that sealed Argentina’s progression, and what a strike it was. Aside from proving his potential to be a makeshift number nine, Rojo has also enjoyed a decent start to the World Cup with regards to his defensive form. Argentina have been far from the best team, but defensively they haven’t looked too bad – and Rojo has been one of their better performers. That said, he’s not quite a standout figure from this summer’s competition, and so a sale does make sense from that perspective.

His role in the squad is also worth considering, as he’s far from the star of the show at the back for Man Utd. He’s been a bit of an underwhelming signing since his arrival back in 2014, and he’s not been a regular starter at the club either. He’s shown moments of brilliance, of course, but he’s evidently not a Mourinho favourite.

What do you think of the World Cup so far? Let us know

Capitalising on his current form and selling him, then, could help Man Utd generate the required funds to bring in a worthy replacement – and an opportunity to finally upgrade their defence for good.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Man Utd fans – thoughts?

Let us know below!

Harry Kane produced another breathtaking display for Spurs on Sunday, blitzing Stoke City in a whirlwind first half during which he scored another three goals for the club.It was his third hat-trick in nine games and underlined just how important he is to Mauricio Pochettino’s side at times.Spurs’ 4-0 rout of Mark Hughes’ team was completed by a Dele Alli goal. It was the third match in a row that the Lilywhites won by four goals to nil against Stoke City, another humiliation that will have been felt every mile of the journey home.Kane’s performance was truly special and as this stat from Squawka shows, no-one is better than the English striker in the Premier League right now.

If he can sustain this form then Spurs will almost be guaranteed a top four finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League again next season.

Spurs fans will be eager to see if he can keep the goalscoring up next Sunday at home to Everton, one of their toughest tests for a while.

[ad_pod id=’Shoot-Xmas-Survey’ align=’left’]

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Leicester City manager Claudio Raneiri has claimed that Arsenal have the squad to challenge for the Premier League title ahead of their clash this weekend, according to reports from the Daily Star.

Raneiri took charge of Leicester during the summer and has done brilliantly so far, with the Foxes sitting fourth on the table and are the only team unbeaten in the Premier League.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal Transfer News | Leicester City Transfer News

The Italian’s side currently lead weekend opponents the Gunners by two points, but Raneiri believes that Arsene Wenger’s men have more than enough quality to cause his team some trouble as well as challenge the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea for the English crown.

Ranieri said: “We are ready but Arsenal are a smart and fast team. They are fantastic, good quality and move the ball very well and very quickly. They will fight for the title, they are ready.

“Arsene Wenger can put Alexis Sanchez in goal and Petr Cech up front and Arsenal will still have a great team.

“I don’t think they have any weaknesses, but even if they did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

The former Chelsea and Juventus boss made 10 changes for their Capital One Cup clash in midweek, but despite doing so his side still beat West Ham United in extra-time to advance to the next round.

He said: “I am very pleased, we were fantastic. We changed 10 players, but they played at the same level. They’re a great group and they work very hard. I’m very happy.

“Those who played put me under pressure, but that is good. They will recover and have a positive recovery, then tomorrow I’ll check everybody and then I’ll choose the 11.”

[ad_pod id=’fba’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’eight’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

It has been a mixed season for Crystal Palace fans in the Transfer Tavern so far. Some days, such as their 2-1 away victory over Chelsea, they have been popping the champagne.

But on other days, such as disappointing home defeats to Man City and Arsenal, whisky has been the tipple.

Such is the expectation that Alan Pardew has created at Crystal Palace now, that defeats to these kind of teams do leave their fans wanting more. Palace have become a very solid Premier League outfit, building a strong squad that arguably have the potential to get into Europe.

Indeed, Palace have recruited well over the years and the likes of Yannick Bolasie and Yohan Cabaye have given the Eagles that unique bit of quality to take them up another letter. Cabaye in particular has proved a fantastic purchase, and has already contributed significantly to Palace’s fine start.

However, while the likes of Cabaye may get the plaudits, there are also many unsung heroes in the Palace side who deserve some credit, below are five of their most underrated players.

Hit Pardew below to see FIVE of his squad that deserve more praise!

[ffc-gallery]

[/ffc-gallery]

Damien Delaney

Delaney is arguably one of the most underrated players in the league, let alone just Palace itself.

As Delaney isn’t exactly a household name, his assured and consistent performances can often go unnoticed.

The Vice-captain always gives 100 and ten per cent, and while he isn’t the most technically gifted, is a reliable member of the Palace side.

Jason Puncheon

Puncheon can often go under the radar, due to the flashy play from the likes of Bolasie, Bakary Sako and Wilfried Zaha, but the former Southampton man is equally as important in midfield.

Puncheon will be hoping he can get a few more goals to his name than he has so far, but he is still a key cog in the well oiled machine.

Pape Souare

Souare came to Palace relatively unknown, but the Senegal left back has quietly gone about his business and slotted into the Eagles side well.

Since signing from January last year, Souare has been an ever present in the side, and again is a reliable performer without doing anything majorly spectacular.

Dwight Gayle

Gayle works awfully hard and does a superb job for the Palace side, but Eagles fans could hope for a bit more consistency in his game.

The former Peterborough United man signed for a hefty fee, and nearly left for Bristol City in the summer. But with Glenn Murray now at Bournemouth, Gayle could look to seize his chance.

Joe Ledley

Though Ledley has to play second fiddle to James McCarthur and Yohan Cabaye, he is an incredibly fine back-up. His work-rate and ability is absolutely terrific, and this means Pardew has excellent competition in midfield.

The Welshman will hope to get more opportunities soon, but if he does not, then there will be many other clubs keen for his services.

There is real reason for optimism at Goodison Park this season, with Roberto Martinez’s Everton side looking like a dangerous and rounded side in their quest for a top-six Premier League finish in 2015-16.

The abilities of John Stones, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku have been well documented, while the presence of this quartet gives the Merseyside outfit a strong core to the team.

However, despite this strong run of players centrally, it may well be the right selections on the flanks that dictates just how far this team can go under Martinez.

The full-back positions have an inevitability about them when everyone is fit, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman two of the most respected and dangerous attacking-minded players in the division in their roles.

[ffc-gal cat=”everton” no=”5″]

However, with a plethora of options at his disposal, Martinez needs to get a settled selection on the wings if Everton are to live up to their billing.

In recent weeks, despite the number of players competing for the two wide roles, the Spanish manager has opted to field two players that have had a telling impact.

Arouna Kone’s injury concerns are finally seemingly behind him, with the Ivorian forward coming good at the Goodison Park club. A hat-trick in last week’s 6-2 demolition of Sunderland proved the former Levante man’s goal threat, but it has been other parts of his game that have most stood out.

The way in which Kone links up with lone striker Lukaku has been of note this term and on his current form it looks like the African must start for the Toffees.

On the other flank, Gerard Deulofeu has had to bide his time but is now getting a run of games in Martinez’s starting XI. The former Barcelona winger’s speed and trickery on the ball have been key elements to his game during his time in England, with the once-capped Spain international possessing the individualism to score or do something of note.

That said, Deulofeu’s delivery and eye for a killer pass has been the most remarkable thing about his performances in recent weeks, with the Spaniard creating a number of goals for team-mates in recent weeks.

The gifted attacker’s defence-splitting pass to allow Lukaku to score against West Ham on Saturday was breathtaking, in a classic example of how much Deulofeu can add to the Everton team.

The balance of the current Everton attack looks good, but one of Martinez’s challenges will be to keep a host of other options in wide areas happy – even though they are not playing.

Steven Naismith, Kevin Mirallas, Aaron Lennon and Aiden McGeady are all in contention for a berth on the flanks, while when Baines returns there is a case to suggest Brendan Galloway could be used in midfield.

With Tom Cleverley and Steven Pienaar also set to return from injury, Everton have a plethora of wide midfield options that will create extreme competition for places.

If Martinez can get his selections right and make the most of this wealth of talent in wide positions, it could well be a really successful season for the club.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

The more romantic football fans have always been able to find a touch of glamour or a cult hero somewhere in the game.

Whether it be the class of the likes of Glenn Hoddle amidst the tough tackles and muddy pitches of the old First Division, or whether it be the foreign leagues filled with players from all over the world, you can always find something.

For me, growing up in the 90s, it was Football Italia. The ‘AC Jimbo’ presented, pun-filled, glamour fuelled English-speaking coverage of Italy’s Serie A.

[ffc-gal cat=”premier-league” no=”5″]

At a time when Italy’s league boasted players like Gazza and Paul Ince as well as Gianluca Vialli, Christian Vieri, Hernan Crespo and the ‘original’ Ronaldo, Serie A was on top of the world as far as domestic leagues were concerned.

In Europe too, Italy was king – or nearly. Although you’ll only find two Italian sides lifting the Champions League / European Cup trophy in the 90s, there was an Italian side in the final of the competition every year from 1991 to 1998.

But the most interesting part of that period of Italian football was, at least for me, the players in the sides. Every team had a star of some sort, it wasn’t just the big guns who had fairly big players. Clubs like Parma – bankrolled, as it turned out, by some dodgy dealings on the part of their owner – were able to attract big stars, or at least the promising players who could turn into big stars.

Gianfranco Zola, Faustino Asprilla, Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, Gianluigi Buffon, huge names playing for a club who were used to languishing in the third tier for most of their existence before the 90s.

There were, of course, nowhere near the riches present in Serie A in the 90s that there are in the Premier League nowadays. But there was, at least, some sort of financial influence amongst those clubs that wasn’t the case in the other leagues. That raised the standard of football, and everyone wanted to play there. Just like the Premier League now, it seems.

With the money available in the Premier League, and of course, the standard of football and the stars already present, it’s clear that players want to play in the Premier League. And they’ll go to fairly great lengths to make it.

As with Serie A in the 90s, nearly every team has some sort of star. Obviously the top teams are choc-full of them, but the new arrival of teams such as Crystal Palace and Stoke City near the top of the table shows the pulling-power of the Premier League.

When Yohan Cabaye can join up with Crystal Palace, Dimitri Payet with West Ham, even Andre Ayew with Swansea, the Premier League is such a draw for these players that they’ll consider playing with the traditionally unfashionable clubs (or at least unfashionable over the last 20 years).

Then there’s Stoke City, a club who are becoming fashionable in some way too. Their manager has instilled a passing element to their game, they seem like a fun team to watch, and they are the team in the league with the most Champions League winners. All in all, if you had claimed that four or five years ago, you’d have been ridiculed. And with good reason.

The romantics among the footballing fraternity these days must be looking to the Premier League. Year on year it’s the same teams involved in Spain and Italy and Germany, but in England things are changing a bit.

It’ll still be the same four of five teams battling it out for the title, but with the race for the top four more open this season than it has ever been, times seem to be changing. And when every team in the league has the money to outbid most other teams in Europe – Burnley’s season in the top flight made them richer than Ajax.

The Premier League has the riches and the glamour to attract most players anyway, but the fact that it’s so open, and that even the unfashionable clubs can point to a bright future with some fantastic technical players means that the Premier League can be the destination not just for fans looking for fast-paced football, but for romantic fans looking for an underdog tale and a wealth of technical football, too.

The Premier League can be Serie A in its pomp.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]