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In the absence of regular football, it is no surprise that Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk got plenty of traction on his Twitter Q&A on Tuesday evening.

The Netherlands international invited the Twitter-sphere to ask questions about his career, and plenty of fans were eager to get involved.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

However, it was not just supporters who sent questions in his direction.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also got in on the act with a tongue-in-cheek question designed to coax one obvious answer out of van Dijk.

But he didn’t take the bait and instead he poked fun at the current Sky Sports pundit, suggesting that former Red Sami Hyypia is the player who he’s based his game on.

Unsurprisingly, the Twitter interaction between two legendary figures caused quite the frenzy amongst the club’s supporters.

Indeed, van Dijk’s tweet was hailed as “genius” by one fan, while others were simply left in stitches.

Here’s what the Liverpool fans had to say in response to the tweet…

Arsenal fans want Gabriel Martinelli to start in the Premier League.

The Gunners faced Vitoria in the Europa League on Thursday and the Brazilian youngster netted in the 32nd minute, cancelling out Marcus Edwards’ opener.

Unai Emery’s men went on to win 3-2, with Nicolas Pepe scoring two late free-kicks, and supporters have called on the manager to give Martinelli a chance in the league.

The 18-year-old has made a total of three appearances in the top-flight but those appearances come to a mere 45 minutes of action, against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

He has played 90 minutes against both Standard Liege and Vitoria, netting three goals, while he also scored twice in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal face Crystal Palace this weekend before taking on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup – whether Emery will listen to the fans’ wishes grant him a first start in the top flight, however, remains to be seen.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

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

Real Madrid are finally back in business as Los Blancos will welcome Leganes to the Santiago Bernabeu for a mid-week La Liga clash. And seeing how Eden Hazard will also be making his return to the squad, his performance might make or break the game in hand.

On the chalkboard

Even though a lot was and still is expected from Real Madrid’s 28-year-old Galactico, we still haven’t seen him fully emerge from his cocoon and start wreaking havoc through the Spanish top-flight.

So far, Hazard has played a total of seven games for Los Blancos across all competitions and has one goal and two assists under his belt.

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Considering the reputation and the pedigree with which he arrived from the blue side of London, this is nowhere near his very best.

But Real Madrid will certainly need him to find his groove and find it fast.

And there’s no time like the present to do exactly that. Still, Leganes have a young ace who will be ready to take the spotlight away from the Belgian bomber – Oscar Rodriguez.

Hazard vs Rodriguez

This clash just might be won with either of the two aforementioned players having a better game than their counterpart.

We know how deadly and effective Hazard can be and there’s no doubt that once he finds his form, he’ll start dropping his opponents like flies.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

And so far, even though the figures have not been as impressive as expected, the Belgian is still making an impact for the Galacticos.

Apart from the goal and an assist in La Liga, he also registered one shot, 1,3 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game. He was also dispossessed 2.5 times and had 1.8 unsuccessful touches per game as well.

But Rodriguez, even though he is just 21, is not really behind Hazard at all.

The Spaniard has two goals under his belt in La Liga and has done so with 2.2 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game.

Not to mention that he is also quite secure while on the ball with 0.4 dispossessions and 1.9 unsuccessful touches per game.

By all means, this seems like a rather close battle between two similar players.

Hazard is obviously the more experienced one with a much bigger reputation but we should not discard the youngster that easily.

If he is given enough space and time, he can be deadly as well, and the stats support that.

Let’s see who comes out on top in the end.

After an unbeaten start to the new Premier League season, Arsenal didn't particularly need an international break to get in the way of things. Nor did many top-flight teams saying that.

The Gunners began their conquest for glory with wins over Wolves and Aston Villa but Brighton halted them in their tracks courtesy of Declan Rice's controversial red card.

Rice will, of course, now miss the big clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. With Mikel Merino also missing after suffering a shoulder injury during his first training session, it's safe to say Mikel Arteta is going to have to rustle up a cunning plan to defeat Arsenal's fierce rivals.

They will, however, be buoyed by a new option for their attack. Following his deadline day loan move from Chelsea, Raheem Sterling has had nearly two weeks' worth of training to get used to the style of things in the north side of London.

It's unlikely he's given a start straight from the off but we'd all love a derby day debut goal, wouldn't we?

That said, they will have to try and achieve that without skipper Martin Odegaard.

The latest on Martin Odegaard's injury

On Monday evening Arsenal fans across the globe sat there rocking back and forth. The unthinkable had happened; a big injury blow during what has to be described as a rather pointless international break.

We're being a bit petty here, but for Odegaard to pick an injury ahead of a vital week of action for Arteta's side is incredibly frustrating.

They face Spurs on Sunday, then get their Champions League quest underway in midweek before facing Manchester City the weekend after.

So, what's the prognosis on the Norwegian? Well, during his nation's win over Austria early this week he was on the end of a rough challenge that resulted in the midfielder's ankle twisting nastily.

Initially thought to have a 50/50 chance of making the game it's now unlikely he'll play any part with suggestions that he could be absent for the next three to four weeks of action.

That's according to Norway team doctor Ola Sand, who said: "Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer. What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.

"Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus."

So, it's not great news over the international break, really. Rice may have scored against the Republic of Ireland but with Riccardo Calafiori also nursing a knock, Arteta is unlikely to be too pleased.

There was also a slightly concerning display from Brazil's Gabriel Magalhaes.

Gabriel's 4/10 performance for Brazil

Now a mainstay at the heart of the Brazilian defence, as well as for his club side, the centre-back is slowly but surely making himself a major part of his nation's team.

However, an unconvincing display during the South American country's 1-0 defeat to Paraguay is unlikely to do him too many favours in the battle to impress supporters.

Indeed, he was arguably at fault for the only goal of the game. A ball came into the box from the left channel and truth be told, his headed clearance was weak and not really away from danger.

The Paraguayan's pounced on Gabriel's misfortune with Diego Gomez picking up possession on the edge of the box before bending a luscious finish beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

What did the stats say? Well, on that front it wasn't an awful night.

Minutes played

90

Touches

94

Accurate passes

75/83 (90%)

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

2/3

Possession lost

8x

Clearances

4

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Long balls

4/9

The media didn't really agree with that impressive assessment though with one Brazilian outlet, Zerho Hora, handing him a 4.5/10 match rating. Some people are tough to please, eh?

Arsenal fans will no doubt hope that this was a minor blip and Gabriel will be at the top of his game when he resumes his partnership with William Saliba this weekend.

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ByMatt Dawson Sep 10, 2024

Last season, it may well have been the FA Cup that kept Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.

However, this term, there may not be a lot of saving him. Manchester United look as toothless as they ever have done during the Dutchman's tenure and after three games, things are not getting any easier.

United defeated Fulham on the opening day of the new Premier League campaign but they have now suffered back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool. Yes, they were tough fixtures but the performance in both games has left plenty to be desired.

Against the Seagulls, their lack of defensive organisation was bewildering as they left Joao Pedro unmarked at the back post to score late on.

We all know what Liverpool's attack can do but those in red did not help themselves one bit on Sunday evening.

It was a really poor performance as they slipped to a 3-0 defeat, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah downing Ten Hag's men who ended up looking rather sorry for themselves at full-time.

However, can we really argue with the manner of defeat when a certain Casemiro continues to be picked?

Casemiro's performance in numbers

Last season the Brazilian was a shadow of his former self. Often forced to play at centre-half, he was never convincing in that role. That said, you can slightly forgive him when playing out of position.

It was the former Real Madrid man's displays in midfield that were most worrying. So bad were the performances that Jamie Carragher pointed out that he should be departing the club during the transfer window, telling him to head to Saudi Arabia.

Well, that move did not happen and United are still paying for Casemiro's dreadful performances. Against Liverpool, he was comfortably the worst player on the pitch and it was hardly a surprise to see him dragged off at half-time. Ten Hag had seen enough as he put on academy graduate Toby Collyer instead.

Why? Well, the Brazil international was at fault for both goals in the opening 45 minutes. He gave away possession for the first and was then caught on the ball for the second. It was nicked away from him and before you knew it Diaz had the ball in the United net.

MEN's Samuel Luckhurst certainly didn't mince his words in his post-match comments, handing the veteran a 1/10 rating while suggesting it was 'one of the worst first-half performances by a United player at Old Trafford.'

After the arrival of Manuel Ugarte, that, quite frankly, should be that as far as his days as a regular starter are concerned.

Casemiro wasn't the only poor performer, far from it.

Joshua Zirkzee's performance in numbers

This was a proud day for summer signing, Joshua Zirkzee. After scoring a late winner on debut, he had to wait until the clash with Liverpool to earn his first start for the club.

Did he deliver? Not really, no. The aforementioned Luckhurst handed him a 4/10 rating, writing that he was 'completely out of kilter in the first half and might have come off had Casemiro not had to come off.'

Minutes played

86

Touches

33

Accurate passes

15/21 (71%)

Goals

0

Expected goals (xG)

0.88

Big chances missed

2

Dribble attempts

0/3

Ground duels won

0/6

Aerial duels won

0/4

Possession lost

13x

Fouls

2

Damning indeed. Truth be told, the striker never really got into the game and eventually vacated the field on 86 minutes having had just 33 touches, 22 fewer than goalkeeper Andre Onana and 12 fewer than Casemiro.

What was most concerning, however, was the quality of finishing on display from the young attacker. He had one notable chance in the second half where he should have buried a header.

In all, this was a torrid afternoon for the Red Devils and they will have to go back to the drawing board.

Does Zirkzee keep his place? United have tried Bruno Fernandes in a false 9 position this term but it just hasn't worked. That's not to say it wouldn't work with a more dynamic forward player in that role though. Anyone for Amad Diallo?

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ByRoss Kilvington Aug 31, 2024

Sky Sports and journalist Dharmesh Sheth have claimed that Arsenal are exploring a late move to sign one lucrative player wanted by Barcelona.

Arsenal looking at last-minute chance to sign forward after Merino

The north Londoners most recently sealed a deal for midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, in terms of outfield signings, with the Spain international ace making a move for around £32 million and will don the number 23 shirt.

Edu could be preparing significant Arsenal bid to sign £73m+ striker

The Gunners have sold Nketiah to Crystal Palace.

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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to the club's official website, said he is convinced that Merino will strengthen Arsenal's title chances to no end.

“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility," said Arteta on Merino.

"He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now. Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.

Appearances

247

Goals

27

Assists

30

Yellow cards

56

Red cards

2

Minutes played

19,449

Transfermarkt

“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”

Arsenal are also chasing a new second-choice keeper to replace Aaron Ramsdale, but could still add a new outfield player after Merino alongside this.

2024 is shaping up to be the club's busiest summer transfer deadline day in years, with Edu Gaspar looking at last-minute opportunities to sign a new forward according to the likes of Fabrizio Romano.

“I think it’s not going to be a super big name. I don’t expect Arsenal to go for a central striker," said the journalist on Men in Blazers (via TBR).

"There was some fear around the injury of Gabriel Jesus, but I’m told it’s quite positive. The idea of Arsenal is to sign a winger rather than a number nine, looking at a last-minute opportunity on the market."

Arsenal exploring late deal for Kingsley Coman

As per Sky journalist Sheth, Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman is very much still on Arsenal's radar. The Frenchman, reportedly on a whopping £300,000-per-week at Bayern, has been linked throughout this week – and it is believed Arsenal are in fact exploring a late deal for Coman.

"Arsenal are one of many clubs who have explored the conditions of a deal for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman," said Sheth (via the Sky live blog).

"It's understood the club may want to bring in another winger to compete with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli before Friday's deadline. Barcelona have also enquired about Coman but a deal would be difficult given their financial issues.

"Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have made an offer, as the player assesses all his options. Staying at Bayern has also not been ruled out."

Crystal Palace are interested in a summer deal to bring Norwich City star Andrew Omobamidele to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Andrew Omobamidele?

Omobamidele is a centre-back who currently plays his football at Carrow Road having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from the academy in 2021 and become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up a total of 51 senior appearances to date.

The Republic of Ireland international still has another three years remaining on his contract with David Wagner’s side, but having impressed during his 27 Championship starts last season, he’s bound to attract attention this window.

The Canaries, however, collectively had a disappointing campaign finishing 13th and quite some way outside of the top six, so they could be looking to cash in on some of their most prized assets ahead of a squad rebuild, and should the 20-year-old depart, he’s got an admirer in Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Are Crystal Palace signing Omobamidele?

According to The Telegraph (via Football League World), Crystal Palace are “interested” in Omobamidele ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Eagles have the defender firmly “on their radar” and the report states that a fee of £20m is likely to be “enough to get a deal done”. Norwich’s former sporting director Stuart Webber publicly admitted that there is a “big possibility” that the young talent will leave.

Where would Omobamidele fit in under Hodgson?

Crystal Palace are likely to be in need of reinforcements in the centre-back position this summer with Marc Guehi being watched by Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United enquiring about Joachim Andersen, so should one or both of the duo depart, Omobamidele could be the ideal replacement for Hodgson.

The Leixlip native averaged 2.7 clearances and 1.9 aerial wins per second-tier game last season, via WhoScored. Not only is he a rock at the heart of the backline but he also loves to try and push his team further up the pitch, ranking in the 88th percentile for most progressive carries by central defenders.

Norwich’s “dominant” colossus, as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same agent, Elite Project Group Ltd, as Malcolm Ebiowei, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could potentially give them a small advantage should they try and attempt to get a deal wrapped up in the weeks and months ahead.

Aston Villa are eyeing an audacious swoop for a Premier League ace, if latest reports are to be believed.

The Villans are expected to have a busy summer both on and off the pitch, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi set to join Unai Emery to bolster the business side of things at the club.

A host of talent has been linked with a move to Villa Park already, with the latest name being one of high potential.

What’s the latest on Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa?

As reported by FootballTransfers earlier this week, Aston Villa have emerged as a potential candidate to sign Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.

The report claims that Villa are ‘keen’ on the Englishman, who is valued at £60m by his club.

It’s added that, at present, the Midlands club are ‘not willing’ to spend such a figure on the 23-year-old, who has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford.

What could Jadon Sancho offer to Aston Villa?

Despite not thriving as dangerously as he did at Borussia Dortmund, the former Manchester City academy starlet has built a huge reputation due to his thunderous form displayed in Germany.

The left-winger contributed to a monstrous 89 goals in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring 38 himself and assisting 51 in just under three and a half seasons, via Transfermarkt.

Once lauded as being an “insane talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Londoner could be an emphatic name for Emery to introduce to Villa Park and integrate into his free-flowing attack.

This campaign has been tough for the Englishman, who took some time away from activity earlier in the season due to being not “physically or mentally” fit to be among his teammates, as revealed by Erik Ten Hag.

Ending the term with 26 appearances, the 23-year-old contributed six goals and three assists for the Red Devils, showing the gap he finds himself at to being close to his best.

The youngster could reach such levels once more if given the chance to thrive, something he could do by joining Villa, who have been presented with an exciting project thanks to the work of Emery.

Deployed on the left flank, the right-footed ace could be provided with a strong outlet in new arrival Youri Tielemans, who has been praised as a “phenomenon” for his play-making ability by former Anderlecht midfielder Par Zetterberg.

The two could form a dangerous combination in Emery’s attack, as suggested by their statistics gathered, piecing them together as the perfect pair to partner at Villa Park this off-season.

As per Sofascore, the Belgian created 10 big chances, as well as averaging one key pass per game in what was a hugely underwhelming Leicester City side that was relegated from the Premier League.

Most notably, the 26-year-old dynamo averaged 6.95 progressive passes per 90 which when paired with Sancho’s average of 9.23 progressive passes received per 90, proves for exciting potential between the two.

The numbers show both the Englishman’s ability to be progressive in his play through movement and positioning to get into intricate areas in the final third, as well as Tielemans’ own ability to pick and execute a pass from a deeper role.

With a hefty price tag and a long way to go in the summer transfer window, only time will tell if Villa decide to flex their financial strengths to snatch the 23-year-old but given the evidence above, it could well be a risk worth taking for Monchi and co.

Newcastle United will need to bolster the ranks this summer despite finishing in the top four under Eddie Howe's stewardship and ending a two-decade absence from the Champions League this year.

It's been an incredible season for the Tyneside club and the impact of the affluent PIF takeover has been felt with considerable might, sending tremors across the rest of the Premier League as the Magpies swiftly crafted a team capable of competing against the most imperious outfits both domestically and abroad.

Now, having revelled in the success of the campaign, the Magpies must turn their attention to the summer market with haste, making astute moves to enrich the squad's collective talent ahead of an important season that will focus on sustaining the newfound stature, and swooping for someone like Adrien Rabiot could bear fruit.

Indeed, the Juventus midfielder is out of contract this month and has attracted attention from Newcastle and divisional rivals Manchester United, who failed in an attempt to sign the Frenchman last year.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are 'leading the race' for the 28-year-old, but despite this, further reports from the likes of Calciomercato claim that Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth is ready to return for the Old Lady's midfield general this month, with a battle for his services potentially forthcoming.

Should Newcastle sign Adrien Rabiot?

Newcastle's balance across the park was one of the main reasons behind their ascent to European qualification this season, and while the midfield department is oiled and whirring at full throttle, Rabiot's prowess as a "complete midfielder" – as he has been described by France manager Didier Deschamps – could allow him to slot into the system without seam.

Indeed, having scored 11 goals and provided a further six assists from 48 club appearances, the £150-per-week machine has also averaged two tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in Serie A, as per Sofascore.

Metrics provided by FBref also rank the 36-cap international among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and aerials won per 90, illustrating his dynamism.

Hailed as a "wardrobe" for his imposing physicality by Gianluigi Buffon, the 6 foot 2 titan could be the perfect partner in the midfield for Joe Willock, whose own dynamism and progressive prowess could provide Howe's attacking third with devastating support from deep.

The £80k-per-week Englishman ranks among the top 9% of positional peers for rate of assists, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 4% for rate of blocks per 90, and with Bruno Guimaraes pulling the strings from the centre, it could be a system to leave opposition quaking.

Considering this, securing Rabiot's services this summer might be the perfect way to provide the Toon midfield with the sheen needed to continue the resounding success under Howe's tutelage.

With plenty of experience at the World Cup, in Europe and domestically, at the highest level, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain star can bring a winning mentality and midfield tenacity to help Newcastle achieve their goals.

Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Chicago Fire sensation, Brian Gutierrez ahead of the summer window, albeit with rival suitors also in the mix for the teenager's signature.

What's the latest on Gutierrez to Man United?

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are said to be among the clubs who are interested in signing the 19-year-old, with Scottish Premiership side Rangers also believed to be keen on the American starlet.

The piece does add, however, that both United and the Ibrox outfit may find it difficult to land a work permit for the 5 foot 10 playmaker, with that handing the advantage to the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Girona who also hoping to strike a deal.

Who is Brian Gutierrez?

The emerging superstar has caught the eye after playing a regular role for Chicago in recent seasons, with the Illinois native having already racked up 74 appearances for the MLS outfit to date since making his senior debut back in 2020.

The versatile dynamo – who can operate on the flanks or in an attacking midfield role – has showcased flashes of his quality throughout his time in the first team, notably scoring twice and laying on 11 assists across all competitions, including four assists in just 17 games in 2023.

That early impact has evidently caught the attention of clubs across Europe, with the United States U20 international having undoubtedly warranted that interest having been hailed as a player who has "got everything" according to coach Frank Klopas, with the latter man also listing the teen's attributes:

"Good with the ball, his work rate, key passes, ability to beat players, technical ability."

Those traits appear to have impressed Ten Hag and co, with there the potential for Gutierrez to be a long-term heir to Bruno Fernandes in that playmaking berth at Old Trafford, with the Portugal international seemingly having no genuine understudy at present.

The 28-year-old was again an everpresent for United in 2022/23 as he featured in 59 games in all competitions, showcasing his ability to make an impact in the final third after scoring 14 goals and contributing 15 assists in that time.

The key facet to the £240k-per-week man's game is seemingly his creativity, with the former Sporting CP star having finished first in the division with regard to big chances created (32), while also averaging 7.04 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days as a sign of his front-foot approach.

While still arguably just a young prospect, Gutierrez has shown signs that he could potentially emulate the impact of Fernandes in the years to come, with the £4m-rated American having also shown his creative spark after averaging 5.81 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days.

The precocious talent also mirrors Fernandes with regard to his impressive work ethic off the ball as he has also averaged 1.64 tackles per 90, as per FBref, with the current United ace averaging only slightly ahead at 1.79 per 90 for that same metric.

That would suggest that if Ten Hag is looking for a suitable successor to his midfield maestro, then Gutierrez could be just the solution.