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According to the Express & Star’s Joseph Masi, new West Brom loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles is in line to make an instant impact at the Premier League strugglers when they head to Spurs this lunchtime.

The Baggies are sitting precariously in 19th position, some 11 points adrift of safety and now will have to face a side who will be looking for a reaction after a run of three straight league defeats.

And starting the versatile 23-year-old midfielder is a good way to go about business as he’s going to provide the much-needed quality that’s currently lacking from their engine room.

On the Chalkboard

Indeed, both Romaine Sawyers (6.13) and Jake Livermore (6.19), who have started the most games of any central midfield options, currently rank as Albion’s two worst players as per WhoScored ratings.

Maitland-Niles arrives at the Hawthorns with bags of experience having played 121 times for the Gunners across the likes of the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup.

Allardyce has also revealed that he was only able to secure the coveted three-time England international because he’ll be playing in his favoured central position, which means there’s a high chance that one of Sawyers or Livermore isn’t going to start in north London.

The £16.2m-rated maestro will offer an industrious presence in the heart of the pitch and one that is capable of influencing the game at either end of the pitch.

Throughout his career, as per WhoScored statistics, the Hale End youth product has averaged 2.5 tackles per 90 at a success rate just shy of 70%, proving his defensive capability and off-the-ball work rate whilst he has also averaged 1.5 dribbles and one key pass per 90, meaning he isn’t shy of breaking into the final third to deliver some creativity too.

By comparison, only Conor Gallagher and Grady Diangana have pulled off more successful tackles per 90 for Albion with Maitland-Niles tying the enigmatic Matheus Pereira for dribbles too, also via WhoScored.

Interestingly, the Englishman has had success against Spurs before – even though Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 with their rivals last season, Maitland-Niles haunted Heung-min Son all afternoon at right-back.

And in doing so, managed to stop him from having any major influence on the game. Per SofaScore, he made a match-high three interceptions, won 75% of his ground duels and made two tackles.

Son was hooked after 79 minutes by Mauricio Pochettino. He won only 40% of his ground duels and failed to provide an accurate cross past Maitland-Niles, so despite it being all-square, the new Albion loanee enjoyed a very good game.

If Big Sam needs to change it up at all, then his versatility could prove crucial too as he’s played in five different roles this season alone.

Maitland-Niles, who is thought to only be on around £35k-per-week at the Emirates, was dubbed a “Rolls-Royce of a player at times” by Martin Keown just two months ago when Arsenal defeated Rapid Wien 4-1 (BT Sport via football.london).

You can’t not start these sorts of players, his addition could well be a game-changer of a signing.

AND in other news, 20 y/o “real talent” could be Albion’s perfect Pereira heir…

Leeds are incredibly unlikely to do any transfer business in January.

We hate to admit it, but this isn’t a period of the year that either Marcelo Bielsa or Victor Orta like. You only need to look at the deal for Jean-Kevin Augustin last year to understand that.

What’s the word?

Of course, that won’t stop the Whites from being linked with new faces. After all, if an exceptional circumstance reveals itself then Orta could be tempted to act.

The likes of Diego Costa and Julian Draxler have been touted with switches but the latest name on the block is someone rather unknown in comparison.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Leeds and AC Milan are both interested in signing Toulouse midfielder Kouadio Kone.

If the 19-year-old departs then he could become the most expensive player in Ligue 2 history. The report claims that any willing suitor will have to pay €15m (£13m) in order to prise Kone away.

Leeds have supposedly been interested in the player for a while and now a move could materialise in the coming month.

Ronaldo Vieira 2.0

Kone is an unknown quantity on the biggest stages but the qualities he’s shown in his small career so far are exceptional.

The teenager has a tall frame and is mightily powerful both on the ball and off it. Detailing Kone’s finest qualities, journalist Marco Conterio said: “Alla Pogba, he is a dribbler with a great physique and long levers, with precision even in the shot on goal. At the moment he is one of the most interesting box-to-box on the international scene.”

That is a glowing review and you only need to look at the statistics to understand further what sort of player Leeds would be getting.

In Ligue 1 last term, the youngster won a colossal 2.7 tackles per game. On top of that, he managed 1.5 interceptions a match and 0.8 dribbles. Kone is a real nuisance when he strides forward, being fouled 2.2 times an outing.

Of course, these qualities are rather similar to Kalvin Phillips but we want to compare him to a former United man in Ronaldo Vieira. The midfielder is now playing his football in Italy but possessed very similar qualities.

During his final season at Elland Road, Vieira won 2.1 tackles and made 1.4 interceptions a match. In terms of his dribbling, the Brazilian managed 0.7 successful take-ons.

Evidently, they are incredibly alike. If Orta brings Kone to Yorkshire then he could well make up for the loss of Vieira in 2018.

AND in other news, Forget Rodrigo: Leeds must move for “extraordinary” £30m gem, Orta has found Pablo 2.0…

Matt Targett emerged a surprise hero for Dean Smith as Aston Villa beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the West Midlands derby on Saturday.

The ex-Southampton full-back had his work cut out keeping Nuno Espirito Santo’s talismanic forward Adama Traore quiet, but excelled at the task to force the Spaniard into switching flanks with Pedro Neto after the hour mark.

Wolves had a clear gameplan of working the ball to Traore in the opening stages yet rarely enjoyed much success, with his only true break resulting in a tame effort on Emiliano Martinez’s goal early in the second half.

Martinez was inspired between the sticks to produce an array of pivotal saves as the game edged toward a draw, but a late mistake from Nelson Semedo gifted the Villans a penalty which substitute Anwar El Ghazi buried.

The win moved Aston Villa up to eighth and above their West Midlands rivals, while holding two games in hand, despite claiming just one win in five Premier League fixtures before travelling to Molineux.

Targett upstaged Traore magnificently to ensure his performance could not go unnoticed, as the £17million signing from 2019 earned his 10th-straight start of the top-flight season.

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The 25-year-old’s performance was not perfect, having recorded just a 56% pass success rate and was cautioned in the closing stages, yet excelled with a joint-team high 61 touches and the third-most total passes by a Villans player, per WhoScored.

Targett completed just 19 of his 34 total pass, one of which being deemed a key ball, while delivering four attempted but unsuccessful crosses and attempting nine long passes, of which only three found teammates.

He also lost possession 20 times – only John McGinn (21) turned the ball over more often, per SofaScore – but stood out with his back to Martinez’s goal with five clearances, three interceptions, three successful tackles and blocked one shot.

Smith never saw Targett try his luck on Wolves’ goal or attempt a dribble, but would have left Molineux mightily impressed by the former England U19 international’s efforts in behind youngster Jacob Ramsey, who was making his first-ever Premier League start.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa ace badly let Dean Smith down against Wolves.

Ruben Neves is back, ladies and gentleman. If ever there was an opportunity to coin the phrase form is temporary, class is permanent, it was at full-time on Sunday.

As Wolves dug deep to find a late equaliser courtesy of Romain Saiss against Spurs, it was Neves who quietly ran the show in the middle of the park and played like a man possessed.

Nuno Santo has tinkered with his system in recent weeks and deciding on a four-man defence that was battered 4-0 by Liverpool only a few weeks ago was brave.

However, against a Tottenham side possessing the effervescent Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, they were made to look average. Very rarely did they have a chance to score and credit has to go to Wolves’ backline.

Saiss was considerably better than the performance he put in against Burnley but equally, Neves was better than we’ve seen all season. The Portuguese has struggled in 2020/21 and we’ll be the first to admit at FFC that we’ve doubted him.

Of course, it will take more than one performance to really start believing the midfielder’s hype again but against one of the title contenders, this was an excellent display.

That being said, it was a performance that is likely to go under the radar. Neves didn’t do anything too eye-catching but he quietly went about his business in a robust fashion. Throughout his time on the pitch, he won five tackles and five interceptions, making a mighty 11 ball recoveries.

His ability to reclaim possession of the ball was phenomenal and it was down to that reason that Son and Kane rarely had the chance to break. Neves was repeatedly in the way and then used his magnificent passing range to good effect.

The Portugal international completed 82% of his passes and was successful with all three of his crosses. This was a complete performance from someone who looked at ease playing against Spurs.

Neves’ place in the side has been called into question at times this term but this was a performance to silence the doubters. He definitely still has the attributes to thrive in this Wolves team.

Just imagine what he could do alongside a more mobile midfielder.

AND in other news, Wolves must swoop for 51-cap DEMON who’s “outstanding physically”…

Jose Mourinho will rue Daniel Levy’s handling of Paulo Gazzaniga’s future this summer, as the “magic” goalkeeper has now been backed to quit Tottenham Hotspur in the January window by Paul Robinson.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Football Insider, former Spurs shot-stopper Robinson has suggested Gazzaniga will be looking for a way out of north London in the mid-season market, as the 28-year-old’s head will have been turned by speculation surrounding his future this summer.

The Argentine was linked with a potential Deadline Day move to Everton, while Aston Villa and top-four rivals Liverpool are now said to be considering Gazzaniga as an option to offer competition for ex-Arsenal ace Emiliano Martinez and Brazil’s Allison Becker respectively.

Gazzaniga has fallen further down Mourinho’s pecking order this season after the Portuguese tactician sought Joe Hart as a free agent, and has since handed the former Manchester City ace a place on the bench in all eight Premier League games to date.

Mourinho has further opted against naming Gazzaniga in any of his matchday squads for the Europa League or EFL Cup this term, leaving the £20,000-per-week man an outcast despite playing 16 of his 18 top-flight games last season after Hugo Lloris’ dislocated elbow.

The situation is now such that Robinson believes Gazzaniga will have to look for a move when the transfer market opens in six-weeks’ time, as he is too good to not even make the bench.

“I think he thought he was gone [in the summer],” Robinson said. “I suspect something was lined up and he thought he was leaving, and that is why Jose Mourinho brought in Joe Hart.

“There’s been talk of Aston Villa and Liverpool, teams looking for back-ups. I think his head was turned and, in his mind, he may have thought he was gone. I could see him leaving in January – he will not want to sit there as number three because he had a taste of being number one while Huge was out.

“We will see Gazzaniga move on in January or the end of the season. He is not a number three goalkeeper; he is a top goalkeeper.”

Summer fiasco

With Robinson backing Gazzaniga to quit Spurs in January, Mourinho will be ruing Levy’s inability to get a deal to sell the Argentine across the line this summer having been in talks with Everton before Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees acquired AS Roma’s Robin Olsen on loan.

Everton were only interested in taking Gazzaniga on a season-long deal when they held discussions on Deadline Day, but Spurs Chairman Levy stood firm in seeking a permanent deal despite his asking price being deemed “too expensive” by the Goodison Park outfit.

Mourinho would, no doubt, have liked to have seen Levy sell Gazzaniga in the summer, as the Portuguese was later forced into the “very difficult” decision of omitting the 28-year-old from Tottenham’s Europa League squad.

“It is very difficult,” the former Chelsea boss said, via quotes by football.london. “To leave a player out is like to stop the player to fight for something he wants, that is always is very, very hard.

“The good thing is in January you can change, so if you have a different view you change. The Gazzaniga situation, with Hugo and Joe we believe that for the next couple of months we can do it with an academy goalkeeper, with a young English kid.”

In doing so, Mourinho deprived himself of a goalkeeper he lauded as being capable of producing magic following Tottenham’s dramatic 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last December.

“My father played in this stadium against Wolves in the UEFA Cup as a goalkeeper,” Mourinho said. “He was always telling me a goalkeeper of a top team had to be different to the others because the goalkeeper of a top team doesn’t have ten saves to make. You have one, but when the one comes the magic hands have to be there and Paulo did it for us.”

It remains to be seen if Gazzaniga has done enough in training to force Mourinho into altering his plans. But given the Portuguese has so far looked elsewhere in the EFL Cup, it will be more likely that the 28-year-old follows through on Robinson’s remarks and searches for a new side this winter.

AND in other news, Tottenham have been urged to sell a “world-beater” who’s also a Jose Mourinho outcast this January.

Liverpool made easy work of derailing Atalanta in their Champions League group fixture last night. The Reds now top their group by a huge five-point margin after breezing to three wins out of three. The Italians shipped five goals as they struggled to deal with Liverpool’s attacking threat.

Diogo Jota was in sublime form yet again, netting his first hat-trick for his new club. The summer signing now boasts an incredible six goals in his last four appearances under Jurgen Klopp.

He was undoubtedly Man of the Match with his unstoppable performance in Italy. Another player also impressed and put in a fine attacking shift, but he’s perhaps an unlikely candidate.

Neco Williams shines against Atalanta

Young Neco Williams made his Champions League debut after replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold deep into the second half. With just eight minutes to go, Klopp deployed the teenager to give him a cameo run out in a game that had long ago been put to bed. His only job was to kick the ball about and let the clock run down.

However, Williams wasn’t happy settling for a casual appearance. According to Sofascore, the defender made one block and two tackles to ensure the Reds kept their clean sheet. He also contributed an impressive 100% cross success and made one key pass, creating a big goalscoring opportunity. This was more of an attacking performance in eight minutes than Roberto Firmino managed in 25 minutes.

The Brazilian was unable to muster up a chance for his side and continues an inconsistent run of form. Whilst he has been integral to this Liverpool side, he has come under a lot of criticism lately due to his lack of goalscoring action as a striker.

Similarly, Williams was hammered by social media trolls after he struggled against Lincoln in the EFL Cup. Assistant manager Pep Ljinders rushed to his aid and lauded him for being a risk-taker, which is something the club encourages in all of their players.

Fans have since changed their tune, with many praising his performance from last night. Along with many others singing his tune, one supporter described his display as “slick” and has encouraged him to keep doing what he’s doing.

With Liverpool holding such a strong lead in their UCL group, Williams could start the remaining games in order to rest Alexander-Arnold for the Premier League.

In other news, Liverpool missed out on exciting partnership between Jamal Lewis and Alexander-Arnold…

Wolverhampton Wanderers are already plotting their moves ahead of the January transfer window, even if it’s still two months away…

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, the Midlands outfit are one of several top-flight teams pursuing a move for Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence.

It’s claimed that the Championship outfit face an uphill battle to keep the 20-year-old with Everton, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United also interested in his signature.

After breaking into the first-team under Jonathan Woodgate last season, Spence signed a new long-term contract in February this year.

Future talent?

The young English sensation has continued to cement his place as Boro’s right wing-back this season, playing in eight of their nine Championship outings thus far.

Spence has scored one goal and has also averaged 1.3 dribbles, 1.1 tackles and 0.7 key passes per 90 minutes, via WhoScored.

During the summer, his manager Neil Warnock played down chances of his top talent leaving the Riverside Stadium, though evidently, it’s a saga that’s set to rumble on throughout the winter.

He’s handed him a glowing endorsement in the process too, comparing him to two current Premier League stars, he said: “If you look at one or two of the full-backs that are around now – the lad at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the lad at Manchester United from Palace [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] – they are all the same type as Djed.”

Warnock went on to claim that Spence had “enormous ability” and how it would be “criminal” if he didn’t make it to the very top.

He has also been noted as having ‘blistering pace’ whilst at 6-foot-and-a-half, he offers intriguing physical attributes too.

As per ESPN, it’s believed that Boro value the promising right wing-back at just £10m whilst Spurs have previously been mooted with interest.

Nuno Santo brought in two players in the role during the summer window – Nelson Semedo, who is already making his presence felt and less so, Ki Jana-Hoever.

You’d imagine the latter is in most danger if Jeff Shi sanctions a move for Spence – a swoop in which he should absolutely follow through with as it not only meets Fosun’s long-term ambitions but hands the Wolf Pack a genuine talent ahead of their rivals.

Perhaps he can be Nuno’s next project – à la Adama Traore.

AND in other news, Wolves must rue not signing £30m monster better than Dendoncker…

According to CalcioMercato, Glasgow Rangers are still interested in signing long-term target Lovro Majer from Dinamo Zagreb.

What’s the word?

Reports at the start of the year revealed that the Light Blues were tracking the Croatia U21 international back in January. But Steven Gerrard’s side ended up signing Ianis Hagi initially on loan instead, before he impressed in his short spell at Ibrox before the Scottish Premiership was suspended in March.

And Rangers signed the Romania international on a permanent deal from Genk in the summer as he was described by Gerrard as a “pleasure to coach.”

It’s claimed that the Gers remain in the race to sign Majer in the winter transfer window but will face stiff competition from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Fiorentina, Sevilla and Valencia, whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United are also closely monitoring the situation. But Ross Wilson must sanction a swoop for the £2m-rated ace, otherwise he may never get another opportunity.

Better than Kranjcar?

Croatia has become a scouting ground for the Gers in recent years, having signed both Borna Barisic and Nikola Katic since Steven Gerrard first took charge at the Ibrox outfit.

For every Nikica Jelavic or Dado Prso, there has been a Niko Kranjcar, so Ross Wilson may want to tread very carefully indeed.

This season, Majer has made one appearance in the Europa League, whilst he has averaged one shot, three key passes and three dribbles per game, via WhoScored. In comparison, Hagi has only managed one key pass per game, as per WhoScored.

The 22-year-old has scored three goals and supplied two assists in six games in the Croatian top flight, otherwise known as the 1.HNL, after bagging a brace against NK Lokomotiva at the start of the season, via Transfermarkt.

On the other hand, Kranjcar could only manage to score one goal and supply one assist in sixteen appearances in the Scottish Premiership, via Transfermarkt. The veteran was 31 at the time of his arrival and was plagued by constant injury setbacks over the course of his career, so he was undoubtedly past his peak, whereas Majer, who plays in a similar position, has stayed unscathed so far.

Despite his young age, Majer has already been compared to Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. Hagi has also been tipped for greatness, with his father Gheorghe Hagi recently insisting that his son has a similar playing style to current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. Even so, he has copped a fair amount of criticism so far, as well.

Whilst it’s too early to tell whether or not Majer will be better than Kranjcar, it’s fair to say that, unlike his countryman, the youngster remains a relatively risk-free signing. One thing’s for sure, he’s certainly on the right track if his record is anything to go by.

Gerrard has shown he can get the best out of young players, as he has worked wonders with both Hagi and Calvin Bassey. So, he could take his game to the next level if he moves to Ibrox, as he’d almost certainly be guaranteed games. Get it done, Gers, before it’s too late!

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe steals the show against Standard Liege…

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that he is having to hold back Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo during pre-season.

The Gers have been impressive so far during their warm-up preparations for the new campaign – they first beat Hamilton 2-1, before travelling to France to beat Lyon and Nice 2-0. Then, after returning home, they defeated Motherwell 4-0 at Ibrox.

Following that latest clash, Gerrard has been talking about how he has needed to manage Aribo and Kamara. He told the Gers’ official website:

“I think people are at different stages, and there are a few individuals within it who certainly look ready to go now.

“Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara were outstanding first-half, and I’ve almost got to pull them back.”

It certainly has been a good pre-season for certain players – Aribo in particular. He has been praised by fans, and his goal against Motherwell, where he displayed his fantastic close control in the box, showed just how good he can be at his best.

As the Gers go in search of a first major trophy since 2011, £900k-valued Aribo and £1.08m-valued Kamara – as per Transfermarkt – will likely play huge roles in their chances of success. Therefore, this should be fantastic news for the supporters as they await the first competitive match of the season against Aberdeen on August 1st.

Let us know what you think below!

West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic could be reunited with one player he once signed for a club-record £18m if reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Ghana SoccerNet, the Baggies are keen on bringing Swansea City winger Andre Ayew to the Hawthorns before the transfer deadline this summer.

They claim that the Championship outfit could be interested in offloading the 30-year-old due to the £80k-per-week wages he’s reportedly on at the Liberty Stadium whilst Ayew himself would like to play in the Premier League.

He has started both of the Swans’ opening two matches this term and is valued at just £4.32m by Transfermarkt.

Another winger?

It would be an interesting prospect to see Ayew swap the second tier for another venture into the top-flight but do West Brom even need another winger?

The veteran was largely ineffective in the two matches against the Baggies last season, failing to contribute during a 5-1 thrashing or the 0-0 draw.

Although he is a player that Bilic knows really well, speaking back in 2017 following a shock win over Spurs, the Croatian boss said: “It’s me who wanted Andre to join us from Swansea. I rate Andre very highly. He’s a great player. He was the game-changer.”

Whilst summer arrival Conor Gallagher enjoyed a loan spell alongside him at Swansea during the second half of last season and the Ghanian believes the young Chelsea prospect is fit for the Premier League.

During that campaign, Ayew provided 16 goals and seven assists whilst averaging 2.6 shots, 2.1 dribbles and 0.9 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

That’s six more goals than what Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu could manage and only Grady Diangana managed more dribbles per appearance.

The Baggies could probably do with a new goal threat after appearing rather lacklustre in front of the sticks so far this campaign, so perhaps a move for the Swansea veteran would be a shrewd addition this close to deadline day.

AND in other news, Albion must win race to sign “skilled” starlet who “causes defenders nightmares”…