All posts by z3u9t.icu

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Tottenham Hotspur have their ideal front six at last.

As Spurs put Red Star Belgrade to the sword in Serbia, winning 4-0, one thing became abundantly clear: Mauricio Pochettino needs to stick instead of twisting.

In a game that could have been something of a banana skin – Liverpool lost to Red Star on the road last season – Spurs turned the volume up to 11 and blew their opponents away.

This season has been characterised by slow, sloppy performances that have lacked the vivacious nature previously present in Pochettino’s teams. They have, for too long, been ponderous on the ball, seemingly unable to make a decision when they approach the opposition box.

On Wednesday, though, that changed.

Pochettino lined up with Harry Kane at the tip of the spear, but he supplemented his threat with Son Heung-Min on the left, Giovani Lo Celso on the right and Dele Alli in the hole. Tanguy Ndombele’s driving runs from midfield – finishing up with five dribbles to his name – made a significant impact, too, as he was partnered with Moussa Sissoko.

So fluid was the performance that Kane didn’t even score, despite it being a complete romping.

Son nabbed two, Lo Celso opened the scoring with his first goal for his new club after his initial loan move from Real Betis in the summer, and Christian Eriksen finished it off in the second half after coming off the bench.

This is the unit that needs to be breaking down defences.

Lo Celso was exceptional, making two key passes and also completing more tackles than any other player on the pitch, including both sets of defenders.

It is a stark contrast to the performance of Eriksen in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday; he did not complete a dribble or make a tackle.

Lucas Moura does not offer the same level of work-rate, with Lo Celso, Alli and Son an interchangeable forward three that can switch positions and slickly revolve around Kane.

Of course, there are tweaks that can be made. Eric Dier is not the club’s first-choice centre-back and one imagines that Hugo Lloris will replace Paulo Gazzaniga when he is back fit following his grisly elbow injury.

But the difference on Wednesday was pace, energy and desire. There wasn’t a single player in the attacking phase not pulling their weight.

Against Sheffield United, an organised defensive unit that have conceded just eight goals in the Premier League all season – fewer than both Liverpool and Manchester City – Spurs will need the cut and thrust of Lo Celso, the guile of Alli and the trickery of Son.

They also have options off the bench, with Ryan Sessegnon coming on for a 15-minute cameo against the Serbian outfit and providing the assist for Eriksen, but the message is clear: Pochettino needs to give these players another chance on Saturday.

If he does, they can continue to forge their burgeoning understanding and ensure that they get back to winning ways.

Spurs have not won a Premier League game since September; that can change this weekend, but only if faith is kept.

Following a difficult opening to their Premier League campaign, Crystal Palace could now reportedly hijack Nottingham Forest's deal to sign a Champions League forward before Friday's transfer deadline.

Crystal Palace transfer news

Having lost both Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise to Fulham and Bayern Munich respectively this summer, Palace are still on the hunt for reinforcements before the window slams shut in just four days. On that front, the Eagles have been linked to the likes of Maxence Lacroix to replace Andersen and Raheem Sterling to fill Olise's boots in what would arguably be one of the most surprising deals of the summer.

The winger has been frozen out at Chelsea and stripped of his squad number in ruthless fashion. In desperate need of a move, those at Selhurst Park may yet offer him quite the escape route in their search for an Olise replacement this summer. An experienced Premier League-winning star, Sterling would undoubtedly ensure that Oliver Glasner's side pick themselves up from a disappointing start.

Crystal Palace set sights on signing "incredible" £30m+ Premier League ace

The Eagles have just five days to make their move…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 25, 2024

Sterling may not be the only offensive reinforcement on his way, either. According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace could now make their move to sign Eddie Nketiah, who is open to a summer switch from Arsenal after his deal to join Nottingham Forest reportedly collapsed. Leaving Palace to hijack Forest's move, Glasner could now complete his attacking options.

Palace will need to move quickly and efficiently if they are to sign Nketiah, however, with just four days do what Forest failed by agreeing a deal with both Arsenal and the forward, who earns a reported £100k-a-week.

"Beast" Nketiah can unleash Mateta

Yet to secure their first three points of the season, Palace have not been helped by the slow start of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is yet to get off the mark after a busy summer at the Olympics with France. But the arrival of Nketiah would likely go a long way towards changing that and unleashing the forward's best form again, given his ability to play all across the frontline.

Goals

5

16

Assists

2

5

Expected Goals

4.5

9.5

Minutes

1,082

2,282

Two strikers who outperformed their expected goals last season, Glasner could form quite the partnership between Nketiah and Mateta if Palace sign the former in a deal that could reportedly be worth up to £30m, should they match Forest's offer.

Set to leave Arsenal, Nketiah will be departing full of praise from manager Mikel Arteta, who told the club's website last season: "Eddie sums up what we want this season in terms of the squad.

“He was a player who was really disappointed not to start against Manchester City in the absence of Gabby [Gabriel Jesus], but he had an incredible impact in the game against City and he trained this week like a beast."

Glasgow Rangers will not be playing in the group stages of the Champions League this season after they were beaten 2-0 by Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday night.

The Ibrox giants, who had to play at Hampden Park, conceded two goals in the space of two minutes in the 82nd and 83rd minute to lose 3-1 on aggregate, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week.

Philippe Clement's side will now have to test their luck in the Europa League and turn their focus back to domestic action with a League Cup clash against St. Johnstone at the weekend.

The Belgian boss has some decisions to make after his team's poor display in Europe and one player who must be ruthlessly ditched from the XI is Ross McCausland.

Ross McCausland's struggles on Tuesday

The Northern Ireland international was selected to start on the right flank for Rangers, with Cyriel Dessers leading the line, Tom Lawrence in the number ten role, and Jefte on the left.

It was a surprising selection by Clement because the academy graduate had been ineffective, with zero goals and zero assists, as a starter in the first leg before being dropped for the Scottish Premiership win over Motherwell.

Instead of justifying his place in the team, the 21-year-old forward was even worse than Lawrence. The Scottish Sun's Derek McGregor handed the Welshman a player rating of 5/10 and highlighted his teasing ball into the box as a positive, before the midfielder faded later in the game.

Clement did not withdraw the former Derby County man from the game until the 85th minute, which suggests that he was relatively pleased with his display for the most part.

Whereas, McCausland was hauled off at the break after an ineffective first half. The aforementioned McGregor awarded the winger a dismal match rating of 4/10 and the manager's decision to take him off at the interval suggests that he agreed that it was an underwhelming display.

The player Clement must unleash instead

Clement must now ruthlessly drop the Northern Irishman from the starting XI after his no-show in the Champions League, as he has failed to provide a goal or an assist in any of his three outings – including two starts – as a winger.

The former Monaco boss must now bring Wolfsburg loanee Vaclav Cerny back into the side because he has the quality to make a greater impact in the final third from a right wing position.

Appearances

2

1

Goals

1

0

Big chances created

1

0

Key passes

2

0

Dribbles completed

1

1

As you can see in the table above, the Czechia international has enjoyed a strong start to life in the Premiership this season, which cannot be said of McCausland.

The 26-year-old star also provided a beautiful assist for Dessers in the first leg against Dynamo Kyiv, with a fantastic inswinging cross, which is why it was surprising to see him left out of the starting XI at Hampden Park.

McCausland struggling, and performing worse than Lawrence, on Tuesday night should now see him ditched from the team to make room for Cerny to come in.

Rangers could land dream signing for Barron in swoop for "exceptional" star

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the midfielder this summer.

ByDan Emery Aug 13, 2024

The winds of change have blown for Liverpool this year, with Arne Slot's budding project seemingly heading in the right direction. Pre-season results must be taken with a pinch of salt but the smoothness of the Dutchman's style's inculcation is promising to say the least.

Having defeated Arsenal 2-1 in an entertaining friendly in Philadelphia, the Reds are starting to prove their ball-playing faculty, and while fans hope to see some activity this summer in the centre of the park, signing a build-up specialist to orchestrate from the base of the midfield and offer competition to Wataru Endo, treatment is needed elsewhere.

Central defence has long been considered an area in need of revamping at Anfield, especially after Joel Matip's contract expired in June, but Jarell Quansah's emergence has eased the need for immediate investment.

The attacking flanks are similarly in need of some added firepower, especially as the lionised Mohamed Salah steps into his final year, and since sporting director Richard Hughes suggested Liverpool could see a "crescendo" in August, FSG seem set to accelerate their interest in the coming weeks.

Liverpool ready to pounce

As per Football Transfers, Liverpool are among the top Premier League clubs interested in signing Pedro Neto this summer, though Tottenham Hotspur currently have the lead in the race.

Title favourites Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has suffered his share of injury problems in recent years but remains one of the most coveted wingers in English football.

Valued at £60m by Wolverhampton Wanderers, it's generally accepted at Molineux that the Portuguese winger will be sold this summer, and given he is highly effective across both flanks, he could be the perfect addition to a Liverpool side stepping back into the Champions League and indeed a new era.

Why Liverpool could sign Pedro Neto

Neto has been a prominent figure in the Premier League for a number of years now, having signed for Wolves from Serie A side Lazio in an £8m double swoop with Bruno Jordao back in 2019.

He was only 19. Now, a fully-fledged sensation, Neto has established himself as one of Wolves' most talented players in modern history, described as an "incredibly talented and physically very gifted player" by boss Gary O'Neil at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Injuries might have been his enemy but Neto succeeded in levelling up to an elite-level quality last term, notching three goals and 11 assists across 24 fixtures in all competitions, albeit missing two large portions with hamstring injuries.

2023/24

20

18

2

9

2022/23

18

13

0

0

2021/22

13

5

1

1

2020/21

31

30

5

6

2019/20

29

9

3

3

Slot, like Jurgen Klopp, implements an intense style of football that is birthed from high-octane training sessions, though, unlike his predecessor, the 46-year-old has an exemplary fitness record across his past two clubs: Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands.

Neto, moreover, has a lot of experience on the right flank, with his left-footed preference allowing him to drift inside and wreak havoc, evidenced by his ranking among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for assists and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

The Portugal international would be a dynamic and versatile option for a healthy attacking fold on Merseyside, and while supporters crave the signing of Anthony Gordon, this might actually be the one to go for.

How Pedro Neto compares to Anthony Gordon

Hailed as a "pace monster" by analyst Ben Mattinson, Neto would add a dimension to Slot's wide play and enhance the overall fluency of a Liverpool side that is already tantalising a successful season.

Gordon was deservedly crowned Newcastle's Player of the Year for 2023/24 after his prolific campaign, scoring 12 goals and supplying 11 assists across all competitions and being praised for taking "it up a level" by pundit Jamie Carragher.

The former Everton player has also hit a career goal contribution rate of 0.28 while on the right, as opposed to 0.40 on the left, so he wouldn't be able to sort out Liverpool's Salah conundrum with the same success as the protean-performing Neto.

Given that Liverpool already yield one of the Premier League's finest left-wingers in Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a move away this summer but seems unlikely to be going anywhere, with no contact pointed Liverpool's way.

And as a further point, while Gordon offered far greater striking output than the Old Gold phenom last season, the underlying numbers suggest that Neto could offer more to the Liverpool first team.

Matches played

20

35

Matches started

18

34

Goals

2

11

Assists

9

10

Big chances created

7

16

Pass completion

83%

82%

Shots per game

1.8

2.3

Key passes per game

1.9

1.6

Dribbles per game

1.9

1.5

Ball recoveries per game

4.0

3.6

Duels won per game

3.5

5.3

As you can see from the table above, Neto is a more creative and more progressive player than Gordon, at least, he performed as such last term. His goalscoring wasn't at the same standard but he also played in a goal-shy Wolves team, tasked as the architect of the playmaking.

And a move to Slot's Liverpool could alter that considerably, for the Anfield outfit created more big chances in the Premier League last year than any of their rivals (with 102).

Wolves, conversely, ranked 16th (with 54), making a telling comment on the importance of Neto's creative input. Newcastle, as an addendum, ranked joint-second with 97 big chances created – one can only imagine the chaos Neto would have wreaked if placed in either of the northern sides.

Liverpool must sign Neto this summer; that is by no means meant to discredit Gordon's exciting skillset, but the Portuguese, when fit and firing, is a force to be reckoned with and would make a marked improvement on the Reds.

Liverpool's 8/10 talent who sank Arsenal can make Slot forget about Gordon

There have been some promising pre-season signs over the pond from Slot’s Reds…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 1, 2024

Chelsea are holding “contact and talks” regarding a deal to bring Gabri Veiga to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga is a central midfielder who currently plays his football for Celta Vigo in La Liga, having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from their academy. He’s now become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 55 senior appearances to date.

The Spaniard still has another three years to run on his contract at the Balaidos Stadium, but after establishing himself as his homeland outfit’s second top-performing offensive player last season, has been highlighted as an ideal transfer target by Mauricio Pochettino.

Reliable reporter Rudy Galetti revealed earlier this month that the Blues are one of several clubs to have “shown interest” in the 21-year-old, whilst Jacob Steinberg later claimed that a bid "could arrive soon”, and if the following update is to be believed, the two parties may already be discussing a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Are Chelsea signing Veiga?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Celta Vigo and Veiga regarding a move ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Gabri Veiga is ready for the next step now. He will leave Celta Vigo. His management is considering many options as he could become a future top player in central midfield. Contact and talks with CFC and others. Release clause of around €40m [£34m] – confirmed. Bayern is not involved.”

Should Boehly make a bid for Veiga?

Chelsea will know that Veiga only being 21 means he would be more of an investment for the long-term future of the club, but having already started to show what he’s capable of on the main stage, Todd Boehly should certainly consider tabling an offer to secure his services.

The Gol International client – the same agency used by Christopher Nkunku – posted 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, form which saw him collect three man-of-the-match awards, but the central midfielder was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.

The Spain U21s starlet was averaging 3.14 shot-creating actions per league game which was the second-highest number in his squad, via FBRef, so he’s always looking to produce moments of quality for his fellow teammates.

Veiga has been lauded an “electric” player by journalist Fabrizio Romano for his youthful pace and energetic nature, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino.

Despite making 92 points in the league this year, Rangers ended their campaign in second place, seven points behind their bitter city rivals.The club also failed to pick up any silverware in the country’s domestic competitions and suffered a pretty miserable Champions League campaign to boot.In a bid to improve their fortunes next year and challenge the Hoops for league glory, Micheal Beale’s side are interested in bringing Swansea City’s Morgan Whittaker north of the border, per Football Insider.

What’s the latest on Morgan Whittaker?

According to the report, the 6 foot 3 winger had already been the subject of ‘multiple’ failed bids from Rangers, reaching up to £1.5m.

It was around that time that Beale made his feelings towards the player crystal clear, labelling the wide-man “excellent” in an interview with Sky Sports Scotland.

Those comments came just after Whittaker had been recalled from a supremely successful loan spell with then League One side Plymouth Argyle, where he had been “quality”, per manager Steven Schumacher.

It was during his time with the Pilgrims that the Derby-born player burst onto the scene, scoring nine times and creating seven assists in just 25 league appearances, per Transfermarkt.

Despite his return to South Wales not going to plan, starting just two games since January, he is still a wanted man.

Unsurprisingly, Argyle are linked to the player, but their comparatively restricted finances make any deal unlikely.

The primary rivals for the players’ signature are Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland and Coventry City.

Having just lost the services of Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo, the Black Cats are on the lookout for an explosive winger and have the financial muscle to compete with the Gers.

Would Morgan Whittaker be a good signing for Rangers?

With the way the Rangers boss has been talking about Whittaker, it doesn’t sound like his miserable second half of the season with the Swans has put him off the player, nor should it.

His primary body of work came from his time in the Southwest, so it would make sense to judge him based on that.

According to WhoScored, the tricky winger averaged an impressive rating of 7.02 and earned four Man-of-the-Match awards in just 19 starts in the league.

He clearly made an impact on former boss Schumacher, who lauded the player back in December, saying: “He has a left foot to die for.”

The expected departures of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morales this summer should also make it easier for the player to play his way into Beale’s starting lineup.

The Teddy Bears also need some attacking reinforcements, as their top goalscorer in the league this season is defender James Tavernier with 15 in 33 games, just six more than Whittaker achieved at Argyle in eight fewer games.

The signing would also give the Scottish giants some much-needed flexibility as the England youth international has frequently played across the wings and in attacking midfield.

Celtic's outstanding 2022/23 campaign draws to a close this evening as they take on Inverness at Hampden in the final of the Scottish FA Cup.

The Hoops can secure the domestic treble, after winning the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup earlier this term, with a victory today.

Ange Postecoglou is tasked with picking the side to go out and achieve their aim and the head coach could make one key change to his team from the one that faced Aberdeen last weekend.

Will Daizen Maeda start against Inverness?

Celtic winger Daizen Maeda should come back in from the start after serving his suspension – from a red card in the loss to Hibernian – against the Dons and replace Israel international Liel Abada out wide.

The youngster started in place of the 25-year-old last time out and was hooked at half-time after he created one chance and failed to register an effort on goal.

Maeda must now return to the XI as the Japanese dynamo has proven that he has what it takes to step up and perform in the big matches in the cup.

In the semi-finals of this competition, the forward was selected from the start in the Old Firm clash and registered an assist for the winning goal from Jota.

He also started the semi-final and final of the League Cup earlier this season and chipped in with a goal against Kilmarnock and an assist against Rangers to win the trophy.

Abada, meanwhile, has not started a match in the FA Cup since the round of 16 against St Mirren and did not start the last two matches of League Cup run.

This suggests that Postecoglou trusts the Japan international more than the 21-year-old when it comes to the high-pressure games in cup competitions as the boss has consistently selected him ahead of the young talent in the latter stages.

The £18k-per-week whiz has repaid the manager's faith in him by being directly involved in three goals in three semi-finals and finals combined this season in the domestic cup outings.

Maeda, who has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 25 Premiership starts, is a player who works his socks off for the team and can provide endless running out wide.

Postecglou has described him as a "selfless" player with "outstanding" effort on two different occasions and this, along with his inclusion in the team's big games, shows how highly the head coach rates him.

Therefore, the wing wizard should be unleashed from the start against Inverness this evening ahead of Abada, who has not been trusted in the latter stages of the cup competitions this season.

There has been an update with regard to Manchester United's pursuit of Chelsea star, Mason Mount…

What's the latest on Mount to Man United?

According to journalist Alex Shaw – writing on Twitter – United boss Erik ten Hag is seemingly "making a big push" for the England international, with recent reports suggesting that the Red Devils are set to launch a £55m bid for the 24-year-old.

In the attached piece for the Daily Telegraph, Jason Burt suggests that the former Ajax head coach is 'confident' that he can tempt the 36-cap gem to make the move to Old Trafford this summer, with the midfield maestro facing an uncertain future in west London with just 12 months left to run on his existing deal.

As per The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Portsmouth-born ace is said to be 'leaning towards' a move to the Theatre of Dreams at present, with Ten Hag believed to have been tracking the player's progress since his days on loan at Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem back in 2017/18.

Where would Mount fit in at Man United?

As Burt's recent report outlined, Ten Hag is said to be prioritising the signing of a 'dynamic number eight' this summer, with that a role that Mount could well comfortably slot into – albeit despite typically lining up as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks.

The midfield "machine" – as hailed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – seemingly possesses the willing work ethic and defensive quality needed to be able to thrive in that deeper role, showcased by the fact that he ranks among the top 12% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for tackles made.

The major benefit of utilising the £80k-per-week man as a box-to-box option would be his creative prowess, however, as he notably ranks in the top 7% for progressive passes, at an average of 5.93 per 90, across the last 365 days.

Although the contract rebel endured a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge after contributing just three goals and two assists in the league this season, prior to that the coveted dynamo registered double figures for each of those two metrics in the top flight in the 2021/22 season.

That ability to make an impact in the final third could well help to ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes, with the Portugal international ending the campaign having created 32 'big chances' in the league – the most of any player in the division.

Much like Mount, the 28-year-old – who has 28 goal contributions in 58 appearances across all fronts this season – is also a real master a providing incisive, forward passes, showcased by the fact that the former Sporting CP ace has averaged 7.04 progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

The part-time United skipper would seemingly relish the prospect of lining up alongside the Chelsea man next season, having stated back in 2021:

"I really like Mason Mount – he’s been consistent from the beginning of the season but, if people will watch numbers, he’s not had so many goals as other players or assists as other players but, for me, as a performance he’s been really, really top.”

That glowing praise is a further indication of just what a talent Mount is, with Ten Hag having the makings of a truly exciting duo involving the 5 foot 11 ace and Fernandes.

Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing defender Archie Brown this summer as Michael Beale aims to continue his rebuild at the Ibrox side.

What’s the latest on Archie Brown to Rangers?

According to the Scottish Daily Mail (page 79, May 26), Rangers are interested in making a move for the Lausanne left-back this summer, and he could cost the Gers a fee in the excess of £2m in order to prise him away from the Swiss club.

The report also goes on to state that Celtic have also run 'checks' on the Englishman ahead of the summer transfer window, and there could be a battle over the coming weeks.

Who is Archie Brown?

The 20-year-old graduated from Derby County’s academy before making the move to the continent in 2021 for a fresh challenge, and Beale could potentially uncover an ideal Borna Barisic heir.

The Croatian defender is entering the final year of his current contract and will turn 31 a few months into the forthcoming campaign, suggesting that the future lies with someone younger – and it looks as though Beale is planning ahead.

Across 29 Premiership matches this term, the 30-year-old has demonstrated his attacking qualities, registering nine assists, creating 12 big chances and playing 2.4 key passes per game as he clearly loves to get forward as much as possible and create plenty of chances from the left wing.

Defensively, he isn’t quite as effective, losing possession 19.4 times per game and keeping nine clean sheets. Beale may therefore be willing to sacrifice attacking intent for someone who is slightly more stable defensively.

Brown does still offer an attacking threat for the Swiss side, registering nine goal contributions – five goals and four assists – across 33 games in the Swiss Challenge League.

He also shone during his spell in the youth academy at Derby, recording 18 goals and 14 assists throughout the various age groups, and his positional versatility could also be a major bonus for Beale heading into next season, as the youngster is equally adept at playing further up the field at left-midfield or even at the heart of the defence, which could be beneficial if there are any injury problems.

The 42-year-old will need to start thinking about a future without Barisic sooner rather than later, and with Ridvan Yilmaz not exactly setting Ibrox alight so far following his £5m move due to various injury and form issues, Brown could be an interesting signing that may get a chance in the first team if he signs.

Chelsea face the unenviable task of battling recently crowned Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

The hosts are in ruthless form, having won their last 11 domestic fixtures, whilst the Blues have only triumphed in one of their last nine games.

Today’s clash represents two sides are vastly different ends of the scale and the west Londoner’s defence will need to be faultless if they stand any chance.

Pep Guardiola’s men have netted an incredible 92 league goals this term and Frank Lampard may need to consider dropping Trevoh Chalobah, who has struggled against superior opposition throughout the season.

Should Chelsea drop Trevoh Chalobah vs Manchester City?

As the incoming Mauricio Pochettino attempts to shape a hideously bloated squad, there any many question marks surrounding the 23-year-old, who has struggled for consistency and minutes.

The £50k-per-week man has failed to nail down a consistent starting spot and has only begun 15 top-flight games this term.

As a defender he lacks tenacity, physicality and power – this is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the bottom 34% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for tackles per 90, as well as the lowest 35% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

Chalobah's reading of the game can also be questioned, as he has only registered 0.79 blocks per 90, which means he resides in the bottom 8%.

His lack of defensive acumen was recently ruthlessly exposed by Rodrygo in the second leg of Chelsea’s Champions League game against Real Madrid, when he stupidly lunged in on the winger, who eventually finished the move to open the scoring.

This view has been echoed by talkSPORT Alan Brazil, who has previously labelled the Blues academy graduate and some of his backline peers as "diabolical" back in January of this year.

Furthermore, despite his massive 6 foot 4 frame, the homegrown star dismally resides in the lowest 42% for aerials won per 90, to underline his faltering capabilities as a commanding and dominant defender.

The thought of the irrepressible Jack Grealish running at Chalobah with his immense pace, trickery, and technique is a frightening prospect, as the attacker has forged a formidable reputation for pinning back his marker.

Indeed, only Crystal Palace stalwart Wilfried Zaha (2.9) has been fouled more times per game than Grealish (2.8) in the Premier League this season, according to WhoScored.

Looking ahead to next season, in terms of quality and potential, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill may well be ahead of the Englishman, who in two full seasons in the first team, has failed to fill anyone associated with Chelsea with any concrete confidence.