With the FA Cup returning this weekend, the Fixture In Focus Podcast team have decided to take up the opportunity to momentarily break away from all matters on-pitch.
Indeed, this week’s episode is a special edition honing in on the world of goalkeeping, perhaps the most under-discussed, under-represented and misconceived position in modern football.
Host James Jones and #FIFpod regular Christy Malyan would only be adding to the problem by pretending to be knowledgeable masters of the trade, so they’ve drafted in the help of former Watford and Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee for an exclusive chat.
In a wide-ranging interview, the agenda included the mental battle goalkeepers constantly face, how poor punditry has lead to wrongful criticism of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa, Ben Foster’s incredible form this season and the debate over which shot-stoppers should be included in the next England squad.
If you love what we do and don’t want to miss another episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform by clicking here.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers have played some stunning attacking football this season and a youngster to have helped that is young Ryan Kent.
The loanee from Liverpool has become a fan-favourite at Glasgow, with his electric demeanour producing brilliant moments throughout the season.
Kent’s been a nightmare for defenders in the Scottish Premiership, lighting up The Light Blues’ left wing. Not only is Kent a pacy winger, but his close-control and dribbling ability are also unprecedented. The 22-year-old has turned out to be a Steven Gerrard favourite, as the gaffer’s given him the opportunities and freedom to express himself.
Kent has scored 5 goals and assisted 4 so far for the Light Blues, forming excellent chemistry with his team-mates. He’s shown impressive ability to wheeze past his opponents on the left flank, often bamboozling defenders with his cunning trickery.
A confident man going forward, Kent also possesses the ability to make inwards into the box and going all the way to score amazing goals. The youngster’s dribbling prowess was on show against Celtic when he provided a delightful assist for Ryan Jack’s winner.
The left-winger’s heroics against Celtic, whom he terrorized with his pace and trickery, proved how crucial he is to their fast-paced attacking style. However, Jurgen Klopp’s also licking his lips watching Kent’s growth and probably can’t wait to have him back. Indeed, Gary McAllister hinted (via the Scottish Sun) there’s little chance of keeping him at Ibrox, making it all a bittersweet for Rangers fans right now.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Clearly a level above most other players north of the border, it’ll be very hard to replace him in the summer, especially in their price range. Still, if he can help the Gers win a title, who really cares?
What will be Liverpool’s gain is a huge loss to Rangers, who are growing more reliant on Kent’s influence to play their best football.
Crystal Palace are still searching for a new striker as the January transfer deadline approaches.
Roy Hodgson has been desperate to bolster his forward options to help lessen the goalscoring burden on Wilfried Zaha. Christian Benteke has struggled for form and fitness this season and Jordan Ayew has failed to have the desired impact during his loan spell. Despite Connor Wickham netting last week, a new forward would help them steer them away from danger.
Time is quickly running out for Palace to bolster their attacking options and Hodgson has limited time available. His best chance of completing a deal could be a loan move. With few options currently available, the ex-England manager should return to his former employers to solve his problems.
One man he could look to is Liverpool outcast – Divock Origi. Valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, the Belgian was expected to leave the club in the summer after slipping down the pecking order. However, Origi made himself a hero on the Kop again after netting the winner in the Merseyside derby. Since then, he has been overlooked after struggling away to Burnley.
The former Lille man will be eager to prove himself in the Premier League and moving to Palace could help him relaunch his career. A pacey, powerful forward with an eye for goal, his arrival would give Hodgson the quality option he has been searching for in attack. If he can rediscover his confidence quickly, he would be scoring for fun alongside Zaha at Selhurst Park.
With his Liverpool contract set to expire in 2020, the Reds are unlikely to stand in his way should he choose to depart and Palace could secure his services at a great price in the summer.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
According to Sky Sports football reporter Keith Downie on Twitter, Sunderland are close to signing two new strikers before the end of the month.
One striker is long-term target Will Grigg, while the other is believed to be Middlesbrough’s England under-19 international Stephen Walker.
This is very encouraging news for The Black Cats, as these two deals are a sign that the club thinking about the present and the future. In the absence of Josh Maja, Jack Ross will need to quickly find a replacement for the striker to keep the club competitive at the top end of League One this season. Grigg is certainly that man.
Currently plying his trade with Wigan in the Championship, Grigg would surely want to drop down to League One, where he has had a huge amount of success in past seasons. In his last three seasons spent in League One with Wigan and MK Dons, he has scored 64 goals. On the other hand, he only has four Championship goals this season for The Latics. Therefore, he may be able to help Sunderland get back up to the Championship, but may not be of great service once they do.
That is when Walker will come into his own. The 18-year-old is seen as a hugely promising talent, which is obvious seeing as he has represented his country. Walker’s signature will ensure continued success, rather than a potential flash-in-the-pan. This is the clearest sign that Sunderland are starting to make shrewd signings after years of transfer blunders.
[ad_pod ]Per The Mirror, Liverpool fans are getting excited on TwitterÂover the impending return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, so where will the midfielder fit in Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing side following his long injury absence?
On the chalkboard
With no FA Cup fixture to play this weekend due to the defeat at Wolves, Klopp and the Reds are taking advantage of their extended break, flying off to Dubai for a warm weather training camp – as documented by The Daily Mail.
The league leaders scraped past Crystal Palace on Saturday, and now have a week and a half off before they welcome Leicester City to Anfield next Wednesday evening.
And there is good news, as Oxlade-Chamberlain has undergone some pretty rigorous training, according to The Mirror.
Who has the loudest fans in Europe? PSG certainly state their claim in the video below…
What does it mean?
Well, just because the 25 year-old is with the squad does not mean he is in full training, and he is not expected to be ready until late February at the earliest – according to The Times’ Paul Joyce.
However, it means the Anfield fan favourite is clearly on the right path, and will likely return to first team action at some point this season.
But a serious knee injury can have devastating effects on a player’s speed, quickness and agility, so expect to see him participating in several training matches and potentially even Under-23 matches before stepping onto the Anfield turf once again.
Where will he fit?
When Oxlade-Chamberlain does return, Klopp is suddenly going to have one mighty selection headache on his hands, so where does the ex-Arsenal man fit in?
Fabinho quite simply can’t be dropped on current form, as the Brazil international has been superb in multiple positions since breaking into the side, and Georginio Wijnaldum is quietly having the best season of his career.
This leaves just one spot to fight for between Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and the returning Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the latter looks a perfect fit for that final place.
Wijnaldum and Fabinho offer loads of defensive protection but limited attacking output, practically ruling out Liverpool’s captain and vice-captain as complimentary options, and summer signing Keita deserves to drop even further down the pecking order based on this season’s poor form.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
While he shares many traits with Oxlade-Chamberlain that also make him a good fit for the third slot in Liverpool’s engine room, the former Leipzig man simply hasn’t acclimatised to the Premier League as well as expected.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain can regain full fitness before the end of this season, the England international should be first choice alongside Fabinho and Wijnaldum, offering Klopp the perfect balance of speed, creativity, work-rate and defensive awareness.
So, Liverpool fans, what would be your preferred midfield when Oxlade-Chamberlain returns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
Arsenal currently find themselves in a spot of bother after a disappointing run of results, with their top four hopes slowly slipping away.
The Gunners invested heavily back in the summer transfer window in the hope that Champions League football would be achieved, but it now appears as if they’ll have to go one better this month to stand any chance.
However, departures can be just as important, with the opportunity to raise funds for potential additions.
One player who Unai Emery should think about selling is Granit Xhaka.
Some supporters may have the opinion that Xhaka isn’t a big name player at the Emirates, but signing him from Borussia Monchengladbach for a reported £35 million a few seasons back raised his profile, and he does generally have the ability to become one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League.
The Swiss international may have featured quite prominently for the Gunners this season, but that is purely down to the fact that there aren’t too many options. He often loses his head and picks up silly cautions and even red cards, which has gotten Arsenal in trouble in the past, along with losing the ball and not turning up in the big games.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Emery simply doesn’t have time to waste this month and Xhaka hasn’t exactly helped his cause in recent times, after getting exposed by Declan Rice during the Gunners’ defeat against the Hammers recently. So, with the 26-year-old being viewed as a liability at times, perhaps it would make sense for the North London club to cut ties.
Arsenal fans – thoughts on a potential Granit Xhaka exit?
Leeds remain top of the Championship table heading into Friday’s crucial fixture against Frank Lampard’s Derby County.
Marcelo Bielsa has hit the ground running after taking charge of the Whites in the summer. The Leeds squad adapted immediately to the Argentine’s methods and their early form has seen them installed as favourites to finally secure a return to the Premier League. Leeds are top of the table, two points ahead of Norwich, heading into a difficult game against Derby County on Friday at Elland Road.
The January transfer window is now open and Bielsa isn’t expected to strengthen his squad significantly. A new goalkeeper is wanted by the former Chile manager to add competition to young Bailey Peacock-Farrell but Bielsa remains confident in his current crop of players. Should they secure a return to the Premier League, the Yorkshire club will be able to attract a higher calibre of player.
One man they must consider signing is Liverpool powerhouse – James Milner. Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, the former England international has been a crucial player for the Reds since joining from Manchester City on a free transfer. However, the 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer and a return to the club where he started his professional career could be on the cards.
Milner remains as fit as ever and his experience at the highest level could be crucial to Leeds staying in the division. The midfielder can cover various positions and is a model professional – his knowledge could be of great value to youngsters looking to break into the first-team. Always willing to work hard and perform at his best, Milner is a manager’s dream.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If Leeds manage to complete their Premier League comeback, Milner should be the man to lead them out.
Spurs are heading into 2019 in a good position overall, with Mauricio Pochettino leading his club to within touching distance of sustaining a realist title challenge.
The Argentinian manager deserves a host of credit for maintaining the form of his team despite no summer signings, and with the January window now fully open and in full swing, it will be interesting to see if Spurs act now and add some quality given their position.
We here at the Tavern think adding one or two players wouldn’t go amiss, and we believe signing players of high quality but for sums that are not extortionate needs to be the way Spurs look at things.
And one man we feel fits this mould is Brazilian midfielder Walace, who has been plying his trade over in Europe with Hannover following a move in the summer from Hamburg.
However, despite only just making a switch over six months ago, contracts can often mean little these days, and Spurs would be well within their rights to make a move for the impressive 23-year-old.
A natural ball winner and somene with a fantastic engine in the middle of the park, Walace has all the qualities and attributes to be a top star if he did get a move to the Premier League.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Spurs look light in the middle at times, and signing someone like Walace, who has power, ability, and experience in Europe, could well prove to be a shrewd move by the London club.
Spurs fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!
It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp has made a handful of truly world-class signings for Liverpool since arriving on Merseyside, signings that have made the Reds serious title challengers once again as they look to overcome Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking Manchester City side.
The German boss has attracted the likes of £75m Virgil van Dijk, £36m Mohamed Salah and £66m Alisson Becker to Anfield, all of whom are the spine of one of the best Liverpool sides in recent memory.
It is a particularly tough ask to decipher just who is the best of the lot out of the aforementioned trio, as well as names such as Andrew Robertson, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
So, as a result, we asked Liverpool fans who they think their best signing under the former Borussia Dortmund boss has been.
Understandably, the results were close, but the majority of those who voted think that van Dijk has been the best signing as shown by the results below…
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
FFC’s James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video below…
Tottenham Hotspur make the long trip from north London to Merseyside this Sunday to take on Everton at Goodison Park.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side arrive in good form and will be full of confidence having overcome their bitter local rivals, Arsenal, by a 2-0 scoreline at the Emirates Stadium in a Carabao Cup tie in midweek.
CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…
However, Spurs can’t afford to take any complacency into this weekend’s clash, and Pochettino must get his team selection right too if his men are to triumph over the Toffees.
With that in mind, the time has come for Moussa Sissoko to be dropped from Spurs’ starting XI. The Frenchman’s good recent form earned him a rare run in the side, but against the Gunners the 29-year-old looked to have reverted to his previous standards. The 55-cap France international was wasteful in possession and clumsy defensively.
The likes of Eric Dier and Harry Winks offer Spurs more reliable options in the middle, and Pochettino should put his faith in them this weekend.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
What do you think, Spurs fans, should Sissoko start against Everton?