All posts by n8rngtd.top

Sergio Conceicao's spokesman at AC Milan has resigned after he "damaged" the coach's reputation.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Francisco Empis has resigned as spokesman
• Claims information sent to media contained 'inaccuracies'
• Conceicao claims he will sue

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  AC Milan have been plunged into chaos as Conceicao's spokesman, Francisco Empis, resigned and admitted that he had passed information to the Italian media that contained "errors and inaccuracies". On Thursday, reports claimed the Milan boss was unhappy with the attitudes of his players, and the club's management.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After that report was proliferated, Conceicao met with Milan's directors and clarified his position in a statement. Now, he says he will take legal action against Empis, who has officially left his role at the club. Empis has admitted he was at fault.

• WHAT EMPIS SAID

  Empis said: “None of the points have been validated by coach Sergio Conceicao, nor are they binding on him as a professional. Due to the mistake made and the damage caused to his reputation, I immediately resign from my position with the coach.

  “The published information contains several errors and inaccuracies, particularly regarding the relationships between team members, the coaching staff, and Milan’s management.

  “They do not reflect the truth of the facts but rather rumours and assumptions without any factual basis.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  AC Milan play Lecce on Saturday. They currently sit ninth in Serie A.

Since Mikel Arteta entered Arsenal Football Club he has been ruthless with his decision-making. He takes no prisoners, that’s for sure.

After one too many misdemeanours, the Spaniard removed the captaincy from Pierre Emerick-Aubayemany and subsequently told him to leave the club.

There’s also the goalkeeper situation. Aaron Ramsdale was fine. He had some great moments in an Arsenal shirt. Remember that jaw-dropping stop to deny James Maddison’s free-kick against Leicester? Alas, Arteta had seen enough. In came David Raya.

The way he’s now phasing out Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus is also pretty ruthless but they aren’t good enough. Let’s be honest, here.

One of the more peculiar moves during Arteta’s reign was the freedom with which Granit Xhaka left the Emirates Stadium.

Why Granit Xhaka left Arsenal behind

The redemption arc of Xhaka’s Arsenal career was a sight to behold. This was a player who cupped his ear and tossed the captain’s armband on the floor during the reign of Unai Emery.

There was surely no way of coming back from that. Well, the Swiss defied the doubters, defied all critics and is now seen as a club icon for his performances under Arteta.

It was during the 2022/23 season that the midfielder shone brightest, scoring a career-best nine goals and also registering seven assists across all competitions. He had quickly become one of the finest central players in the Premier League.

However, he wanted to go and in swooped Beyer Leverkusen who snapped Xhaka up for a measly fee of £21.4m. Why did he go? Well, it was to seek a new challenge at a late stage in his career.

Since then, the now 32-year-old has enjoyed a fabulous time of it. He won the Bundesliga unbeaten last season and reached the final of the Europa League. He was among the Ballon d’Or nominees too.

Xhaka ended up ranking in 16th place, ahead of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Declan Rice.

Did Arsenal miss him last term? Perhaps. That being said, club-record signing Rice did a pretty decent job in his stead, being named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2023/24.

That said, will the Gunners miss another midfielder? Quite possibly, for this young Frenchman is now ranking pretty closely to Xhaka in certain metrics.

When Arsenal sold a "monster in the making"

The 20th June 2020. It’s a poignant date in Arsenal’s history. An unsuspecting game with Brighton during that dreaded COVID season happened to alter the timeline of many careers as Arsenal lost at the Amex Stadium.

Berno Leno suffered a serious knee injury that led to Emiliano Martinez’s triumphant rise to become the best goalkeeper in the world. It was also Matteo Guendouzi’s last match in an Arsenal shirt.

Visibly angry at the challenge from fellow countryman Neal Maupay that hurt Leno, he somehow avoided punishment despite grabbing him by the throat.

Arteta had seen him enough, though, and that summer he was being sold in a £9m move to Marseille. Guendouzi left having flattered to deceive. He had mass potential but his attitude problems – as we saw in that clash with the Seagulls – often got the better of him.

Moving back to his homeland after initially being signed from Lorient, the France international did so having played on 82 occasions for Arsenal.

Described as a “monster in the making” by scout Jacek Kulig, the now 25-year-old is now impressing in Serie A for Lazio alongside Nuno Tavares. Remember him?

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

After a summer move, Guendouzi has played 14 times in which he’s scored once and registered a solitary assist. But, it’s his Xhaka-like qualities that are going under the radar.

Indeed, as per FBRef, the former Arsenal man ranks among the very best Europe has to offer for progressive passes. Compared to players in Europe’s top five leagues this season, he sits in fifth place for that metric with 96.

He sits just ahead of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (91) and only just behind Joshua Kimmich (126) who ranks first and Xhaka (125) who sits second in the listings.

So, are there many other similarities between the two midfielders? Let’s take a look.

Let’s be honest. Xhaka is quite evidently the better football but it’s clear that there are plenty of similarities between the two players.

Arteta wasn’t to know but in a parallel universe, perhaps Guendouzi was the long-term heir all along? From a passing point of view, very little separates them and they also make a similar number of tackles per 90 minutes.

As data analyst Ben Mattinson once said, the now Lazio ace is a great “what could’ve been” player.

Arsenal must finally sell £110k-p/w flop who was their "obvious captain"

The experienced international has been painfully unlucky at Arsenal.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 14, 2024

Whilst the worst form of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career was confirmed courtesy of defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester City have reportedly shifted their focus towards a Rodri replacement away from the action.

Man City transfer news

In pursuit of a fifth-consecutive Premier League title, Manchester City now find themselves five points behind leaders Liverpool after losing their fourth game on the bounce in all competitions. The champions initially looked on course to return to winning ways thanks to Erling Haaland’s first-half effort, only for Joao Pedro to change the game from the bench before fellow substitute Matt O’Riley turned the game on its head to seal a shock victory for Brighton late on.

Having lost four games in a row for the first time in his managerial career, it’s back to the drawing board for Guardiola during the international break, who must come up with a solution amid City’s injury woes.

Away from the action, meanwhile, those at the Etihad are seemingly planning ahead in case they lose star man and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now plotting a move to sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid, with the midfielder seen as an heir to Rodri’s throne in the middle of Guardiola’s side.

Man City could get Haaland firing with star who's on "another planet"

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola must bring him back into the starting XI.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 9, 2024

Valverde won’t come cheap for Manchester City, who may be left waiting for Real Madrid to decide whether they even want to show their midfielder the door next summer amid his €1 billion (£830m) release clause.

Of course, in Manchester City’s ideal world, they won’t need to replace Rodri, but as his rise continues and clubs of Real Madrid’s calibre potentially come calling, Valverde wouldn’t exactly be a bad option to have in mind.

"Special" Valverde could be handed impossible task

As talented as Valverde is, replacing Rodri would be a near-impossible task. Manchester City have already been forced to experience life without the Spaniard this season, having seen their star man sidelined with an ACL injury, but they’ll be desperate to ensure that their current reality does not become permanent next summer.

If they are left with no choice though, then Valverde could be on their list of candidates. A Champions League winner at the heart of Real Madrid’s star-studded side, Valverde is still just 26 years old and the praise of Carlo Ancelotti suggests that he’s got plenty more to come among Europe’s elite.

The Real Madrid boss told reporters as relayed by Goal in 2022: “Both Valverde and Rodrygo are special players. And that’s what modern-day footballers have to be. They can play in different positions and they possess both technical and physical attributes.

“The modern-day footballer is complete, has energy and quality. Modern-day football takes advantage of the intensity from footballers because that’s what’s required to play the game. Both players have developed tremendously and we’re delighted because they’re doing so well.”

Virgil van Dijk has claimed that there has been no progress in contract talks with Liverpool as the Dutch defender edges closer to free agency.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Van Dijk provided update on his contract situation
• 'No idea' if he'll still be at the club next season
• Dutchman focused on winning Carabao Cup and Premier League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Van Dijk might have played his final Champions League game for Liverpool on Tuesday as they crashed out after losing 4-1 on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their round of 16 fixture. After the loss at Anfield, the Dutch defender was asked about his future at the Merseyside club, to which he replied that contract talks have stalled with the Reds at the moment.

Advertisement

• WHAT VIRGIL VAN DIJK SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Dutchman said: "I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There’s just… I keep saying the same thing. Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it.

  "I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that is about it. At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face."

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the loss against the French champions, Van Dijk sent Liverpool fans into a panic as he was spotted speaking with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos. Liverpool have also yet to finalise new contracts for Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The Reds will now aim to bag their first trophy of the season on Sunday as they gear up to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Amid such an inconsistent season so far, Newcastle United have reportedly moved in an attempt to bring one free agent back to England and have already been given a response.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies looked to have finally turned a corner after drawing at Stamford Bridge and then going as far as defeating Premier League title contenders Arsenal. Yet, one international break later, it was back to square one against West Ham United, who returned to form in their own right by defeating Eddie Howe’s side 2-0, courtesy of Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Those at St James’ Park will be increasingly desperate for the January transfer window to arrive in a month that could begin to make up for their failure to welcome much-needed reinforcements in the summer.

On that front, the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo have already been linked with a move to Tyneside as Newcastle look to sharpen what has been a blunt attack at times in the current campaign. Before attacking additions, however, the Magpies have reportedly attempted to reinforce their midfield.

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle moved to sign free agent Paul Pogba to welcome the midfielder back to English football and the Magpies viewed him as a key player. However, they have already been rejected by the 31-year-old, who can return to playing in 2025 and may choose to head towards the Saudi Pro League.

Perfect for Gordon: Newcastle can replace Almiron with "insane" £51m winger

Newcastle are looking to replace Miguel Almiron with a new right winger this January.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 27, 2024

Set to return from suspension in March after an appeal saw his ban reduced, Pogba – as ever – will be one to watch. Despite not playing for almost a year, the former Manchester United midfielder remains a World Cup winner and a talented one at that. The age-old question would, of course, be whether or not Howe or whichever manager welcomes Pogba into their side – can unlock his best form.

"Complete" Pogba could have replaced Longstaff

Fresh from suspension or not, signing a player of Pogba’s calibre on a free deal will prove to be the ultimate bargain for whoever manages to get the deal done in the coming months. And whilst it currently seems unlikely that the Frenchman changes his mind regarding a move to Newcastle, there’s no doubt that he’d complete a stunning midfield three at St James’ Park.

Stepping in alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, Pogba could complete a midfield worthy of a place in the Premier League’s top four – especially at his very best.

No man has seen Pogba’s best form more than France manager Didier Deschamps, who told the media as relayed by Goal at Euro 2020: “Paul is a complete midfielder. He has that quality of passing, it’s part of his game.

“You have to have the right movement. He has a fairly free role. He is not limited on the offensive aspect, his position can change, it depends on the placement and movement of other players.”

For now, however, Newcastle’s dream midfield will have to remain a fantasy rather than becoming an exciting reality in what could have taken Howe’s side up another level or two.

Sandro Tonali's fiancee Juliette Pastore was seen mixing with Newcastle fans ahead of this weekend's Carabao Cup final.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Newcastle face Liverpool
• Tonali in search of glory
• Pastore mixes with fans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per the Daily Mail, Pastore joined the Toon army as they prepared for the Carabao Cup final against Arne Slot's side. The WAG of the Italy international posed with fans and wore flags being paraded by supporters.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pastore took a picture next to a flag showing Tonali's face in the style of Italian beer brand Birra Moretti. Tonali has made 46 appearances for the club since his move from AC Milan.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Juliette regularly visits St James' Park to cheer Tonali on and has been seen in the stands numerous times since the midfielder made the move from Serie A.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Newcastle will hope to end a 70-year trophy drought at Wembley on Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund joined forces with the German Swiss International School (GSIS) in Hong Kong to establish an elite youth football academy.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• BVB expand their global footprint
• Inked partnership for youth football development
• Will integrate elite training methodologies used in Bundesliga

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With BVB’s rich history of developing elite players and Germany’s illustrious footballing heritage, this initiative presents an unparalleled opportunity for young athletes to refine their skills under expert guidance. The academy will be led by Kai Brock, a UEFA A-License coach who has worked extensively in Bundesliga youth academies, mentoring numerous players who have gone on to thrive at the highest levels of football.

Advertisement

• Borussia Dortmund
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As part of this exciting partnership, GSIS will introduce an exclusive football camp during the Easter break, open to GSIS students. Additionally, the academy will expand in the summer, welcoming talented young players from across Hong Kong. This initiative aims to elevate the standard of youth football in the city, offering world-class coaching and mentorship to aspiring players. By bringing the BVB Evonik Football Academy to Hong Kong, the program will integrate elite training methodologies that have been instrumental in the development of Bundesliga stars. The academy will not only focus on technical and tactical aspects of the game but also instill values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  GSIS School Principal Ms Alexandra Freigang-Krause shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: "We are thrilled to collaborate with one of Germany's most iconic football clubs, renowned for its outstanding youth development programmes. Even more importantly, this venture will bring another vibrant aspect of German culture to life at GSIS."

  Echoing these sentiments, Mr Benjamin Wahl, Managing Director of BVB East Asia, emphasized the importance of youth development in football: "Borussia Dortmund is proud to partner with GSIS in Hong Kong. Both GSIS and BVB have a long, successful and world-famous track record in supporting young children in their development. We will bring our excellent knowledge in youth football development to Hong Kong and it's great to have such a strong partner with GSIS on our side.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Borussia Dortmund are one of the most decorated clubs in Germany, boasting eight Bundesliga titles, five German Cups, and seven German Super Cups. Beyond domestic success, BVB have made its mark on the global stage, capturing the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup (previously the Intercontinental Cup), and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Wednesday night sees Everton play one of their most important games so far this season. The Toffees face Wolverhampton Wanderers who are a big relegation rival, in a six-pointer at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche’s side are currently just two points clear of the Old Gold, with 11 points compared to their nine.

The pressure is on the Merseysiders, who are on a lean run of form, having not won in their last five games. Most recently, they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Bouncing back with a win over Wolves would be a huge statement of intent.

However, they will have to stop the Midlands club’s talisman, Matheus Cunha, who has a good record against the Toffees.

Cunha’s record vs. Everton

It has been a really impressive season so far for Brazilian attacker Cunha. He has been superb over the course of the last two seasons at Molineux, with 23 goals and 12 assists in 70 games. However, he has performed particularly well this term.

In 12 Premier League games in 2023/24 so far, the Brazilian has found the back of the net on seven occasions, grabbing himself three assists along the way, too. As per FBref, he is one of only six players to be in double figures for goals and assists.

That should certainly make Everton wary of how much damage Cunha could cause them. On top of that, he has an impressive record against the Toffees. In three games against the Merseysiders, he has one goal and one assist.

Having said that, they both came in the same game, a 3-0 battering of the Toffees midway through last season. Cunha helped himself to two goal involvements in a game where he ran the show.

As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old completed two out of three dribbles, playing two key passes and creating one big chance.

Dyche’s side must certainly be careful of Cunha, who could deal them some serious damage and help propel his side ahead of the Toffees in the relegation fight. However, there is one player who could be Everton’s own answer to the Wolves ace, Iliman Ndiaye.

How Ndiaye compares to Cunha

The Toffees signed Ndiaye in the summer from French side Olympique Marseille. He cost them a reported £15m and made the move back to England just one season after leaving Sheffield United for the South of France.

The £45k-per-week attacker has sparkled this season despite the fact his goals and assist numbers are not quite up to the same levels as those Cunha is hitting.

He has played 15 times in all competitions, and has three goals to his name, with two of those strikes coming in the Premier League. He is currently on a goal drought of five games but will be aiming to change that against Gary O’Neil’s side.

Interestingly, when comparing the Senegalese attacker’s Squawka stats to Cunha’s numbers, it is clear to see that the players are similar.

Whilst in many key metrics the Wolves attacker does come out on top, the gap between the pair is not too dissimilar. It is worth noting that Ndiaye actually averages more completed take-ons per game than the Brazil international, with 3.1 compared to 2.1.

There is no doubting Ndaiye’s talent, as the stats showcase. Football analyst Umir has been full of praise for the attacker in the past and explained he has “abundant quality” during his time at Bramall Lane.

The evidence is there that Ndiaye, a silky dribbler, can be Everton’s own version of Cunha. The Brazilian was crucial in helping Wolves survive last season, and the Toffees will be hoping Ndiaye can replicate his achievements and help them fight relegation, starting with the game on Wednesday night.

Forget Beto & Tarkowski: Dyche must axe Everton's "frustrating" talent

The Everton man has struggled this season

By
Joe Nuttall

Dec 4, 2024

Pep Guardiola has blasted Manchester City's attitude this season but was pleased with how they fought back to beat Bournemouth in the FA Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Coach criticises team's attitude during season
• Pleased with battling performance at Bournemouth
• Haaland hobbled off pitch with foot problem

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City overcame a dismal first half in which Erling Haaland missed a penalty to win 2-1 and reach the FA Cup semi-finals for a record-extending seventh year in a row. The performance was in great contrast to City's defeat at the Vitality Stadium by the same scoreline back in November and the coach admitted that his side's attitude has been lacking for large parts of the season.

Advertisement

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  "Comparing the game we played in November, we came here with flipflops, we came for the holiday against a team that competes," Guardiola said. "Today, we were a team and challenged. In football, you have to run. It's not tactics – they're important but what we missed this season was heart and soul and the desire that we have always done for many years. This for me as a manager is the most important thing to recover. Recover the soul, this passion."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Substitutes Nico O'Reilly and Omar Marmoush helped City turn the game around but the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan played their part in a hugely dominant second-half performance.

  Guardiola added: "The legendary players made a step up again and made an excellent performance. I'm really pleased to go back to Wembley again for the seventh time in a row. it is an incredible achievement."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Haaland hobbled off in the second half with a foot injury, being replaced by Marmoush. Guardiola could not give any update on the severity of the injury, however.

Leeds United have the chance to remain in the automatic promotion spots with a win against Middlesbrough at Elland Road in the Championship this evening.

The Whites are currently second in the table and a draw could see them move to the top, before Sheffield United play on Wednesday, although a win could be needed if Burnley win their match tonight.

Daniel Farke’s side are fighting for automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, after his team finished third in the division last season.

The West Yorkshire outfit beat Norwich City in the play-off semi-finals before losing 1-0 to Southampton at Wembley in the final, consigning them to another year in the second tier.

Their opponents this evening will be no pushovers, though, and it is unlikely to be as straightforward as the 2-0 win over Derby County last time out at Elland Road was.

Middlesbrough have won four of their last six matches in the Championship and secured a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor in their last game.

Leeds will also be well aware of the threats that Michael Carrick’s team pose because they have already played them at Elland Road in the League Cup this season.

The last time Leeds played Middlesbrough at Elland Road

Back in August, the Whites were drawn at home to the Teesiders in the League Cup and Farke handed rare starts to Max Wober, Karl Darlow, Joe Gelhardt, and Patrick Bamford.

However, the likes of Junior Firpo, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Joel Piroe, and Brenden Aaronson, among others, were also in the starting line-up, which shows that the manager put out a strong side with the intention of getting through to the next round.

Anfernee Dijksteel put the away team 1-0 up in the 50th minute when the right-back burst forward and, far too easily, dribbled past Rodon in the box before slotting an excellent left-footed finish into the bottom left corner.

Delano Burgzorg doubled their lead ten minutes later after Josh Coburn threaded a through ball to send him towards the edge of the box, where the winger cut inside of Rodon before firing past Darlow.

The third and final goal for Middlesbrough came when Isaiah Jones was given far too much space around the edge of the box and his deflected shot fell perfectly for Coburn to tap into an almost empty net.

It ended 3-0 to Carrick’s men, who created four ‘big chances’ to Leeds’ two, and supporters will be hoping that Farke learned enough from that heavy defeat to prepare the team better for tonight’s match.

Latest Leeds United injury news

In his pre-match press conference ahead of this game, the German head coach revealed that multiple players are either out or are serious doubts to feature at Elland Road.

Firpo is one star who will definitely be out for the Whites. He had to come off in the first half of the 2-0 win over Derby on Saturday and Farke has confirmed that the left-back has suffered a hamstring injury that is set to keep him out of action for up to six weeks.

The Dominican Republic international, who was signed from Barcelona for £13m in 2021, has provided one goal and three assists in 15 appearances in the Championship this season, and his attacking thrust could be missed down the left flank.

Firpo is not the only Leeds full-back who could be missing through injury tonight, though, as Farke also revealed that Jayden Bogle is a big doubt with a muscle issue.

The Whites swooped to sign the English defender from Championship rivals Sheffield United for a fee of £5m in the summer, and he has started 18 of the club’s 19 league matches to date, which speaks to how much trust the manager has in him to perform week-in-week-out.

It is not all bad news, however, as Farke also stated that right-back Sam Byram is back in training and could return to the squad against Middlesbrough, which would make him a like-for-like replacement for Bogle.

Byram is not the only player who could come back into the starting line-up for Leeds tonight, though, as the manager could make multiple changes to the side.

Predicted Leeds line-up to take on Middlesbrough

The £18m duo of Firpo and Bogle both potentially being out will mean that two new full-backs will need to come into the team, which could open the door for Byram and Wober to start.

After Firpo went off injured against Derby, the Austria international came on at left-back and scored the second goal for the Whites, whilst also helping the side to keep a clean sheet.

That could mean that the defence lines up with Illan Meslier in goal and a back four of Byram, Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Wober, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell as the double pivot in front of the backline.

The attack is where the German boss could make unenforced changes to the starting line-up, starting with Wilfried Gnonto coming in for Manor Solomon, as suggested by Football FanCast.

Farke could also decide to remove Brenden Aaronson from the team after a string of underwhelming performances in the number ten position for Leeds in recent weeks.

As you can see in the table above, the USA international has started the last six Championship matches for the West Yorkshire outfit and has not contributed with a single goal, ‘big chance’ created, or assist.

Farke could take him out of the team by unleashing academy graduate Mateo Joseph in a new role as an attacking midfielder behind Joel Piroe.

The Spain U21 international has created four ‘big chances’ and provided three assists in nine starts in the Championship, which shows that he can offer quality as a creator and that is why it could be worth seeing how he fares in a deeper role.

This would make the starting XI as follows… Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Struijk (C), Wober; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Joseph, Gnonto; Piroe

Farke must drop Solomon to unleash "electric" Leeds star

Daniel Farke must bring the Leeds United star back into the starting line-up.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 10, 2024