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Chelsea’s loss to Man City in the Caraba Cup final gave the Stamford Bridge faithful and Maurizio Sarri a lot to think about. The fixture highlighted that Chelsea are still a team that can defend well, that Maurizio Sarri perhaps isn’t as tactically inflexible as he’s made out, and, perhaps most important of all, it highlighted that the Blues had improved significantly since the last time City and Chelsea met. 

Despite the loss, Chelsea can take a lot of lessons from the game, and perhaps the most obvious of these surrounds Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Chelsea have struggled for midfield creativity this season, with neither Ross Barkley or Mateo Kovacic able to impress at Stamford Bridge.

However, on Sunday, fans got perhaps their best sighting yet of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Brought in during the closing stages of the game, he immediately settled in the Chelsea midfield – and it’s fair to say that he impressed throughout the final minutes of normal time and throughout extra time.

Perhaps most impressive was his dribbling. He achieved 4 successful dribbles against City – the second of any Chelsea player on the pitch – despite his limited minutes. Only Eden Hazard was ahead of him, and that goes some way to highlighting the impact that he’s able to have. He was direct and to the point, and that’s what Chelsea have recently been lacking. Barkley (who had just 2 successful dribbles) and Kovacic (who didn’t feature) always pass sideways or backwards, and they’re rarely eager to drive forwards. Loftus-Cheek’s presence gave Chelsea a new way to attack, and his influence was huge.

Stats only tell half the story, though. He’s quick on the ball, he’s technically gifted, and he’s a relentless runner. In truth, Loftus-Cheek offers exactly what Chelsea’s midfield needs, and he could be hugely useful over the course of the rest of the season.

He’s had fitness problems this season, but he looks to be past the worst of them. It’s time for Maurizio Sarri to trust him.

Thoughts?

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips…

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, the Magpies are preparing to make a move for the defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Manchester United also keeping tabs on the England international.

The report claims that the Toon are able to offer him £120k per week, which is a significant bump from the £25k-a-week he is currently earning at Elland Road.

Leeds are said to want a fee in the region of £50m for their star midfielder but it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle are willing to meet that amount.

Rock

Italian legend Andrea Pirlo previously dubbed Phillips a “rock”, and that is exactly what the 26-year-old would be for Eddie Howe at St James’ Park next season.

The Leeds midfielder was once described as a “destroyer” by Steve McClaren, and his impressive statistics in the Premier League back up that praise. In the top flight last term, he averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.21 for the Whites across 29 appearances. 

He averaged a monstrous 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game, also winning 5.3 individual duels per match in the middle of the park. Over the last 365 days, Phillips ranks in the 99th and 97th percentiles for pressures and blocks per 90 respectively in Europe’s top five leagues, which further goes to show how strong he is at the defensive side of his game in midfield.

The Leeds machine is exceptional at screening the back four, as shown by his impressive statistics, and that is why he can be Howe’s rock next season. Phillips could sit at the base of the midfield and provide protection for the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, for example, having more license to get forward and join in with the forwards.

Along with his ability to cut out opposition attacks, he has also shown that he can start some of his own with his passing quality. Last season, he created 1.2 key passes per game and created a whopping five ‘big chances’ despite playing in a number six role.

With 4.7 long passes per match in 2020/21, he has the passing range to open up defences with his creative play, which shows that he offers quality at both ends of the pitch. Therefore, he would be a fantastic signing for the Toon, and he would surely be a player that Howe would love to have on Tyneside for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news, NUFC had an “absolute steal” with £13m “colossus” whose value has doubled in 3 months…

RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson is a player that Leeds United remain ‘very keen’ on signing, according to reporter Tim Thornton.

The Lowdown: Various bids for Aaronson

The Whites have seen the 21-year-old as a primary transfer target throughout the January transfer window, with various bids tabled for him.

His current club have continued to dig their heels in, though, seeing him as an important player during their current Champions League run. Aaronson has scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in 51 appearances for the Austrian club.

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The Latest: Leeds still want move

Speaking live on Sky Sports News on deadline day, Thornton claimed that a January move is out of the question, although Leeds ‘still remain very keen’ on signing him in the summer:

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The Verdict: Strong summer addition

It is a shame not to see Aaronson arrive at Elland Road this month, but if a summer switch is the next best thing, it will be worth the wait given his quality.

The USA international has been compared to Chelsea’s Champions League final hero Kai Havertz in terms of his style and he could add plenty of much-needed guile to Leeds’ attacking play. No Whites player has more than two assists in the Premier League this season.

At 21, he is also a young and maturing player, so he could grow into something formidable at Elland Road in the coming years if the Whites can finally get their man, either today or during the summer.

In other news, a positive update regarding one huge Leeds player has emerged. Find out who it is here.

West Ham are keen on signing Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause this month.

That’s according to reliable Hammers source ExWHUemployee, with the rumours receiving plenty of attention from a number of Villa supporters on social media.

Steven Gerrard has already lost one centre-back this month after Axel Tuanzebe cut short his season-long loan to join Napoli. That has left Tyrone Mings, Hause and Ezri Konsa as their only senior options in that position, with the latter of the three going off injured against Manchester United on Saturday.

According to ExWHUemployee, West Ham are looking at a move for the 26-year-old, who fits the wage structure at the London Stadium.

Described as a player with pace by journalist Pat Rowe, Hause has made eight appearances this season, with talks over a move to West Ham at a ‘primary stage’.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the links regarding Hause and West Ham on Twitter. Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with the majority against the move due to the shortage of centre-back options at Villa Park.

“Lol as if this would happen when we currently only him & Mings fit”

Credit: @Villaste1

“No chance until we’ve signed a couple of replacements, which is unlikely in this window”

Credit: @K_ribensis

“Not happening, Konsa injured, option to extend contract”

Credit: @DeadlyDoug

“£25m”

Credit: @JoshLocke23

“No, we need to buy another centre back let alone go down to just 2 senior options”

Credit: @ajbyrne_avfc

“I like Hause a lot so no thanks”

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

In other news: Shares agent with Gerrard – Villa now after midfield ace ‘like’ Gascoigne.  

Rangers enjoyed a busy January transfer window as they brought in a number of players to bolster Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad at Ibrox.

Ross Wilson was hard at work as he secured deals to bring in James Sands, Amad Diallo, Aaron Ramsey and Mateusz Zukowski, with John Souttar also set to join at the end of the season.

The Gers are two points clear of Celtic at the top of the Premiership table and these additions could help them to land a second successive league title.

How could van Bronckhorst’s best XI now look? Here is our take on it…

The back four may remain exactly the same, with Zukowski the only addition to the head coach’s immediate options for the rest of the season.

James Tavenier has averaged an outstanding SofaScore rating of 7.81 for the Gers, with the skipper popping up with five goals and ten assists from right-back in the Premiership. This shows that there is no need for the Polish recruit to come straight into the XI and he could spend the next few months learning from the club captain and developing his game on the training pitch.

In midfield, Ramsey could replace Scott Arfield as one of the three, playing alongside Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo. The £16k-per-week Canadian gem has popped up with some important goals this season, scoring three goals in 15 Premiership outings this season.

However, the arrival of the former Arsenal man could force him to be resigned to a place on the bench for the rest of the campaign. Ramsey is a proven performer at the top level, having scored in the Premier League and Serie A for the Gunners and Juventus throughout his career, and could – therefore – bring an added level of quality to the side.

This could also leave January signing Sands on the bench, with Kamara starting in the dictating midfield role slightly behind Aribo and Ramsey. The Finland international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.03, completing an impressive 91% of his attempted passes, whereas Sands has recorded a score of 6.95 and completed 87% of his pass attempts.

Whilst there may not be a great deal between them, statistically, Kamara has been at Rangers longer and could have van Bronckhorst’s trust for now. However, the USA international could work his way into the XI and keep his place if he continues to put in solid performances when called upon.

In the front three, Diallo could be the club’s best option on the right-wing. He had a dream debut as he scored in the 3-3 draw with Ross County, whilst also creating one chance and completing one dribble.

Rangers have struggled for goals in the right-wing position, with Scott Wright and Ianis Hagi managing just four between them. This is why Diallo could end up being a regular starter as his competitive bow for the club suggests that he could be the goal threat they have been lacking.

AND in other news, Body blow: Rangers dealt big injury setback ahead of Old Firm, Gvb will be gutted…

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips won’t be available until March because of a hamstring injury, journalist Phil Hay has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Phillips is a massive loss

The 26-year-old is arguably the first name on Marcelo Bielsa’s team sheet when everyone is fit, but unfortunately that isn’t the case at the moment. Phillips hasn’t featured for Leeds since the 2-2 draw at home to Brentford at the beginning of December, with a hamstring issue ruling him out for a sustained period.

An update has now been provided regarding the England international, who was hailed as a ‘beast’ by Nigel de Jong during Euro 2020.

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The Latest: Phillips out until March

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay confirmed Bielsa’s update claiming that Phillips won’t be available until March, meaning he could miss the Whites’ next eight matches.

The midfielder will join defender and captain Liam Cooper on the sidelines, having played at centre-back three times this season in order to deal with a defensive shortage.

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The Verdict: January signing needed

Phillips is an enormous loss, with his energy and quality in the middle of the park making him the hub of the entire Leeds team, averaging two tackles and 2.3 clearances per game in the Premier League this season.

It highlights the need for a new central midfielder to join during the January transfer window in order to fill the sizeable void left by the 26-year-old.

Someone like Cagliari midfielder and long-time Whites target Nahitan Nandez looks like the perfect candidate, possessing a wealth of experience which includes 49 caps for Uruguay, as well as an average of 2.4 aerial duels and two tackles won per match in Serie A this season.

Even if Leeds miss out on him, though, any new midfielder who could perform to a similar standard would be welcome, given the severe body blow regarding Phillips.

In other news, Hay has provided a more positive Leeds injury update. Read more here.

Since Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard opted to swap Glasgow for the Midlands last month, the Premier League side have continuously been linked with Rangers winger Ryan Kent.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Villa boss is “reportedly ready to raid former club Rangers for Ryan Kent”. The 25-year-old has been subject to interest from Premier League clubs before, with Leeds United previously interested according to The Athletic, who claimed that the Scottish champions were holding out for £20m in the summer.

The 41-year-old brought Kent to Ibrox on a permanent basis for £7.5m in 2019 after the Liverpool academy graduate impressed on loan the season prior, winning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year Award.

Kent will offer Villa depth

With Gerrard opting to use a 4-3-3 formation, the performances of wingers are crucial to Aston Villa’s success. In the three games that the new boss has overseen, he has deployed Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia, Ashley Young and Ollie Watkins out wide, with the former two seeing the most game-time on the flanks.

Watkins is predominantly a striker whilst Young won’t be a long-term option at 36 years of age. Therefore, if Kent were to join Villa, he would most likely have Bailey and Buendia as competition for a starting spot.

Neither have set the world alight since their summer moves from Bayer Leverkusen and Norwich City respectively, with both players scoring just once this term and registering a combined five assists.

Furthermore, Bailey has struggled with injuries since arriving in the West Midlands, starting just four Premier League games, which could potentially open a pathway for Kent should he join Aston Villa and the Jamaican’s injury woes continue.

Currently valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt and reportedly earning £20k per week, the 25-year-old has scored 28 goals and registered 34 assists in 143 appearances since joining Rangers and played a vital role in them winning their first league title in ten years last season, with 21 goal contributions in 37 games en route to that triumph.

Moreover, the new Villa boss knows the player well, having worked with him in the Liverpool youth ranks and at Rangers, which could prove essential should the winger opt for a move to Birmingham.

In the past, Gerrard has labelled Kent “a constant threat”, and there’s surely no doubt that the former Gers boss would welcome a reunion with the winger. Just imagine the thought of him and Buendia providing ammunition from the flanks at Villa Park on a regular basis.

In other news: Aston Villa dealt further injury setback ahead of Leicester clash, Gerrard will be gutted 

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has dropped a transfer claim linking Benfica striker Darwin Nunez with a move to a whole host of Premier League clubs, including West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Failed January move

The Uruguay international was at the centre of numerous transfer rumours in the January transfer window, one of the most prominent of which came with West Ham making a move towards the end of the month.

Whilst it was said that the transfer attempt was in the pipeline for weeks, Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard has claimed that the Irons submitted a club-record £60m bid for the 22-year-old on deadline day.

Nunez reportedly said that he preferred a move to a Champions League side, so Benfica rejected the east London club’s bid.

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The Latest: Romano’s news on Nunez…

Fabrizio Romano has now shared the latest news regarding a potential £66.6m summer move for Nunez.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Darwin Núñez will leave Benfica in the summer, fee around €80m. His new agent will now meet with many top clubs to explore opportunities. #transfers

“Man United already discussed his name internally – Arsenal wanted him last January as West Ham but Darwin was not for sale.”

Whilst the Irons aren’t explicitly said to be planning on making an imminent move, it is implied that Nunez’s agents will meet with the club over a potential sale.

The Verdict: Would be a fantastic signing

Former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has hailed the 22-year-old as one of the brightest prospects in world football, saying: “He was the most expensive player in the history of the Benfica and, with the pandemic I don’t know, but he could also be the most expensive player to leave the Benfica. This boy will be the best in the world and, unfortunately for me, I will lose him in no time.”

With such high praise, and with a return of 31 goals in 36 matches this season (including five in the Champions League), it is no wonder that a whole host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Uruguayan striker.

However, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United now reportedly interested, a move to West Ham seems far less likely to come to fruition, particularly if they miss out on qualification for Europe next term.

In other news: ExWHUemployee drops triple transfer claim

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some manager news that has emerged involving Niko Kovac.

As per The Daily Mail, the Croatian is now a candidate for the vacant position left by Rafa Benitez earlier this week, following the 2-1 loss away at Norwich City in the Premier League.

He has a lot of pedigree, having won four major trophies during his time at both Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, including the Bundesliga title with the former.

With Frankfurt, he managed to take them from relegation candidates into the top half of the table, and members of the Goodison Park faithful feel as if he could do a similar thing with them.

Nonetheless, with nearly 300 games managed at a high level, the 50-year-old would certainly be an exciting appointment.

Everton fans on Kovac manager news

These supporters of the Merseyside club buzzed as the manager news was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that he would be ‘great’ for them:

“Would be great for us”

Credit: @pauladdo10

“Oh hello”

Credit: @D_Hart11

“Bring me Kovac”

Credit: @ibowens3

“Now we’re talking”

Credit: @DonLeify

“Get it done”

Credit: @EFC__Scott

“Please”

Credit: @Edward__Toth

In other news, find out what manager update has Blues buzzing here!

Rangers are enjoying a sublime season in the Premiership this term as they sit top of the table with 42 points after 17 games.

They have won 13 of their 17 matches, drawing three and losing just once. In that time, they have scored 38 goals and conceded just 18 times, with Steven Gerrard starting the campaign in charge before Giovanni van Bronckhorst came in last month.

Forget Tavernier

Captain James Tavernier may get the bulk of the plaudits with his outstanding contributions in the final third this season, but his fellow full-back Borna Barisic has also been a standout for the Gers.

Tavernier tops the Rangers squad with an average SofaScore rating of 7.86, whilst Barisic is second in terms of outfield players with a score of 7.26. The former has three goals and ten assists – from 1.8 key passes per game – in 15 Premiership appearances and averages a whopping 97 touches per match.

This shows how the ex-Newcastle man is the main outlet for the Gers in possession as he takes almost 100 touches per game despite playing at right-back.

Barisic, meanwhile, averages 76.6 touches per game and has also averaged 1.8 key passes – racking up two assists. This suggests that he has been more effective in his creation of chances in relation to the number of touches he has compared to Tavernier.

Former Gers player Alex Rae once lauded the full-back’s ‘terrific’ ability on the ball, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in the country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

Tavernier averages 2.3 tackles and interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game, whilst Barisic averages 2.3 and 3.0 in the same categories. The Croatian has also won a higher percentage (62%) of his duels – winning 51 in total –  in comparison to the right-back (52%) in the Premiership. This shows that the left-sided defender has been stronger in his defending this season, to go along with his efficient chance creation.

Therefore, Barisic has been a standout for Rangers and is deserving of immense credit for his performances in the top-flight, potentially more so than Tavernier based on the pair’s underlying statistics.

However, both have been outstanding and are key to how van Bronckhorst’s team operates with their quality from the full-back positions.

AND in other news, Body blow: Concerning Rangers injury update emerges that’ll leave fans gutted…