All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made a bold call to return to Parkhead for a second time in the dugout when he joined the club in the summer of 2023.

He replaced Australian boss Ange Postecoglou, who left to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, and has enjoyed an excellent second spell in Glasgow to date.

The Northern Irish boss won the Scottish Premiership and SFA Cup last term, beating Rangers 1-0 with a last-minute winner in the final, and have already won the League Cup so far this season.

Rodgers had left the club in 2019, after an almost three-year stay at Parkhead, and currently has two players who played under him in his first spell, in Callum McGregor and James Forrest.

The former Liverpool and Leicester City head coach managed some terrific Celtic stars between 2016 and 2019, and previously had a midfielder who was the perfect complement to McGregor in the middle of the park – Stuart Armstrong.

The kind of midfielder Celtic need next to Callum McGregor

McGregor has scored eight goals in the Premiership so far this season, but that is an outlier in his career as he has only managed more than seven league goals one other time for the Hoops, scoring nine in the 2019/20 campaign.

Typically, the retired Scotland international is deployed at the base of the midfield as the lone number six, with two central midfielders ahead of him in a 4-3-3 system.

This is the ideal position for the left-footed metronome because of his passing ability – completing 94% of his passes in the league this season – but also because of his lack of pace and dynamism in and out of possession.

Celtic need to have midfielders around him who can run and cover ground whilst also being able to influence matches at the top end of the pitch, which is exactly why Armstrong was the perfect number eight to play in the midfield three with him.

17/18

27

4

4

16/17

31

15

7

15/16

25

4

7

14/15

15

1

4

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish midfielder provided a decent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a central midfield position for the Hoops in the Premiership, whilst he racked up 28 goals and 25 assists in all competitions.

Armstrong, whose performances earned him a £7m move to Premier League side Southampton in 2018, played 88 games under the Northern Irish head coach and contributed with 22 goals and 13 assists.

The right-footed dynamo provided great physical attributes to go along with his technical skills. Rodgers once hailed his athleticism, saying: “Physically he has everything: he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s powerful.”

Armstrong was, therefore, a complete midfielder who perfectly complemented McGregor by providing energy, pace, strength, and attacking contributions from midfield, and Rodgers has unearthed his new version of the Scottish ace, but it is not Arne Engels.

Why Arne Engels is not the new Stuart Armstrong

The Belgium international, who joined from Augsburg last summer for a club-record fee of £11m, has been a standout in the middle of the park with his ability to contribute in the final third.

Engels has racked up ten goals, with eight of those coming from the penalty spot, and registered 12 assists. This means that he has only managed two goals from open play in his 43 appearances for the Hoops, suggesting that the Belgian ace does not offer a huge goalscoring threat away from the penalty spot.

The 21-year-old midfielder is closer in profile to McGregor than he is Armstrong, though, as he does not provide outstanding strength or pace in the middle of the park, losing 54% of his duels in the Premiership this season.

There is, however, a midfielder in the Celtic squad who is the new version of Armstrong for Rodgers, and it is Portuguese maestro Paulo Bernardo.

Why Paulo Bernardo is the new Stuart Armstrong

The Scottish giants swooped to sign the 23-year-old talent from Benfica on a permanent deal for a reported fee of £3.5m last summer, after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead.

Bernardo, who has been out of action since the middle of February with an ankle injury, has been unearthed as Rodgers’ next Armstrong because of his similar attributes in the middle of the park.

The Portugal U21 international was once described as a “high-intensity” and “tenacious” player by U23 scout Antonio Mango, which speaks to the energy and strength that he can provide in midfield. That is backed up by the star’s 57% duel success rate in the Premiership this term, as he has won the majority of his physical battles.

This suggests that Bernardo has the Armstrong-esque physical attributes that Engels currently lacks, which helps the former Benfica man to provide a defensive presence for the Hoops.

Appearances

22

22

Big chances created

4

5

Assists

3

3

Pass accuracy

83%

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.4

2.1

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

0.3x

Ground duel success rate

49%

58%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

54%

As you can see in the table above, the £3.5m signing has improved from his first season at the club and has been a reliable and creative figure with the ball at his feet, as Armstrong was, whilst also being excellent out of possession.

Goalscoring is an area for Bernardo to improve on, with seven goals in 69 matches for Celtic to date, but he has already proven himself to be a pretty complete central midfield option for Rodgers when fit and available.

As you can see in the clip above, he does have the instincts to get himself into goalscoring positions and it is down to Rodgers to ensure that the team is creating enough chances for him to add more goals to his game.

Bernardo has already been a terrific addition to the club and emerged as the manager’s new version of Armstrong with his play in and out of possession as a central midfielder, but the Portuguese whiz could take his game to the next level by adding a consistent threat as a goalscorer in the months and seasons to come.

Celtic eyeing move for manager's dream who's been likened to James Milner

He leaves “everything on the pitch”.

1 ByBarney Lane Mar 24, 2025

Chelsea are preparing a pre-summer offer to sign one striker for Enzo Maresca, with his club already looking at replacements if they’re forced to sell him.

Chelsea play FC Copenhagen in Conference League second leg

Tonight, the west Londoners are favourites to overcome Danish minnows FC Copenhagen and stride into the Conference League quarter-finals after their 2-1 first leg win last week.

£250,000-per-week player "could be set" for surprise exit from Chelsea

The Blues are already looking at other options.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 12, 2025

Goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernández handed them a crucial advantage heading into tonight’s face-off at Stamford Bridge, while Gabriel Pereira clawed one back for the visitors and ensured that Copenhagen could still be in with a shot of causing a major upset.

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Brentford (away)

April 5th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 12th

Fulham (away)

April 19th

Chelsea have won their last three games in all competitions, slightly lifting the spirits around Cobham after a real mid-season slump in form, and Maresca will be keen for his side to make an electric start to the 90 this evening.

“I was surprised, as I said last week because I watched many games, they were off the ball always defending with a line of four and then against us, they were in a line of five,” said Maresca on FC Copenhagen’s performance against Chelsea last week.

“Even in their game two days ago, they were again a line of four. The reason why we were a little bit surprised was because of that, but then we tried to adapt.

“To be honest, I do not know if they are going to be in one way or another way. We will see.”

During his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Maresca also shared an update on striker Nicolas Jackson, and when the Senegalese could be back from injury.

“He could be back, probably after the international break,” said Maresca on Jackson’s recovery. “Him and Noni also. This is good news. Before the international break, we have two games, tomorrow and Sunday, and then we have international break, we can recover energy, recover players and then go for the last [bit of the season].”

Jackson’s return after the international break will be a welcome boost for Maresca, given his lack of available out-and-out centre-forwards, but it is believed Chelsea are planning to sign a new striker to partner him ahead of next season.

Chelsea ready to make £50m offer for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

According to The Boot Room, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap remains very high on Chelsea’s shortlist of potential alternatives to Jackson and Christopher Nkunku after previous links to the former Man City forward.

The outlet and journalist Graeme Bailey report that Chelsea want to sign Delap as soon as possible, and are very eager to finalise a pre-summer deal for the Englishman, as they grow very wary of rival interest for him.

They’re also said to be planning a £50 million offer for his services as they look to secure his services before the next window, but Ipswich are in no rush to reach an agreement given the potential bidding war for Delap, despite already working on potential replacements for their star striker.

The 22-year-old is Chelsea’s top summer target alongside RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, but £50 million may not even be enough, as other reports suggest his valuation could shoot up to £60 million.

Delap has scored 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances for Kieran McKenna’s relegation-threatened side this term, including one against Chelsea back in December.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Atletico Madrid have already reportedly reached a verbal agreement with a Manchester United star who could now leave in a deal worth £42m.

Man Utd transfer news

In what has been a trend spanning over 10 years, Manchester United are once again in need of a major overhaul under a new manager.

This time, it’s Ruben Amorim who needs to welcome several fresh faces if he is to stamp his mark on the struggling side that Erik ten Hag left behind. However, unlike in previous tenures, the Red Devils are not in a position to splash the cash so easily.

As INEOS continue their cost-cutting measures, which have not come without controversy, the first thing they must do when the summer arrives is sell any players Amorim does not deem fit to feature in his strongest side – and that could see one star man depart.

According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid have now reached a verbal agreement with Alejandro Garnacho and could complete a summer deal worth €50m (£42m).

Man Utd open talks to sign £40m star outscoring Zirkzee & Hojlund combined

He’d be an instant upgrade…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 9, 2025

The Argentinian winger looked destined to follow in Marcus Rashford’s footsteps by departing in the January transfer window amid links to the likes of Chelsea, but eventually stayed put and has since crept back into Amorim’s side.

Nonetheless, he could still decide to leave a sinking ship and a manager whose system simply does not accommodate wingers when the summer arrives. United, meanwhile, could commence a summer of sales by showing Garnacho the door.

"Brave" Garnacho needs Man Utd exit

There was once a time when leaving Old Trafford seemed an absurd idea, but those days are long gone. Recent history instead tells a damning story of how players can benefit from leaving Manchester United – whether it’s been Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku or more recently, Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Now, Garnacho can become the latest to steal the headlines away from a club drowning in failure.

Under Ten Hag, the young winger looked destined to become the star of the team, having earned regular praise from the Dutchman, who told reporters: “I love to work with Garnacho.

“He’s a player who needs a challenge, he likes a challenge, he is very brave, he’s very confident, our job is to push him to high levels. He has high potential and now we have to get the potential out, therefore you have to work day by day.”

Now, under Amorim, he has been surplus to requirements at times, in what has been the harshest reality check possible for a player who has strayed from a path towards Old Trafford greatness.

Like others in the past, Garnacho should take hold of an opportunity to leave Manchester United behind this summer.

Arsenal are now preparing an £83m offer for a midfielder, who has been identified as a potential alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, according to reports from Spain.

Gunners linked with Zubimendi move

Zubimendi has been a well-known target for the Gunners for quite some time now, with journalist Steve Kay at one stage suggesting a summer deal is almost inevitable, given that personal terms were agreed a long time ago.

“It’s very close, Arsenal will sign him, they will trigger his release clause in the summer of €60m. Personal terms were agreed in March, but that is a normal thing with the player, that’s the first thing you do. That was done long ago.

Club chiefs are hoping to have the move fully wrapped up prior to the summer transfer window, but it is still yet to be made official, and there are now indications the north Londoners could move on to alternative targets.

Arsenal now scouting former Real Madrid prospect who Cesc Fabregas loves

Fabregas has called him “special” and now the Gunners are keeping an eye…

ByBarney Lane Mar 3, 2025

Last week, it was revealed Arsenal are looking at Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios, who may be brought in instead of Zubimendi, and there has now been a major update on their pursuit of the midfielder.

According to a report from Spain, the Gunners are now preparing a €100m (£83m) offer for Barrios, having identified him as their main target if a move for Zubimendi alludes them.

The Sociedad midfielder is still attracting attention from Real Madrid and other European clubs, so it is by no means a certainty the Spaniard moves to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

There is a belief Barrios could fit perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s team, indicating he is an ideal alternative target, but there may be competition from a number of other Premier League clubs, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool expressing interest.

Barrios could be a suitable Zubimendi alternative

Zubimendi seemingly remains Arsenal’s top target in midfield, but there are signs the 21-year-old Atletico man could also be a solid signing, having established himself as a key player for the Spanish side at a young age.

The Madrid-born midfielder has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season, providing two assists, and he has received high praise for his dribbling ability by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also dubbed him a “future legend”.

The Spaniard is also extremely adept defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Barrios is a well-rounded midfielder, who would be useful for Arteta at both ends of the pitch, but he is not yet showing “world-class” signs, unlike Zubimendi, who should remain the top target.

Manchester United are now battling Liverpool for the signature of a rising star, who could be brought in to replace a first-team player this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd struggling defensively

It would be fair to say Man United have struggled at both ends of the pitch this season, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to deliver in attack, while there have also been some very poor defensive performances.

The Red Devils have conceded three goals at home against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion, and their frailties were on show once again in the 2-2 draw against Everton at the weekend, with Harry Maguire receiving criticism.

There has been doubt over Maguire for quite some time, with the Englishman being stripped of the captaincy during the Erik ten Hag era, and there are now indications Ruben Amorim is looking to bring in a replacement this summer.

Man Utd "hopeful" about signing "astonishing" £50m forward; talks advancing

The Red Devils are now negotiating a summer move for an exciting young forward.

ByDominic Lund Feb 25, 2025

According to a report from Caught Offside, United held off on signing a centre-back in the January transfer window, at which point Maguire was in good form, but they are now ready to battle it out for the signature of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also named as potential suitors for Branthwaite, with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs queuing up to get a deal done, while Real Madrid have also been linked.

However, the centre-back will not come cheap, as the report reveals he will cost in excess of £70m, and Everton are determined to keep hold of him, with the plan being to extend his contract until 2030.

"Colossal" Branthwaite performing well for Everton

The Toffees have been in resurgent form since David Moyes returned to Goodison Park, and the 22-year-old has continued to play a key role, starting every Premier League game under his new manager.

The Englishman has also averaged a 7.06 SofaScore match rating in the league this season, ranking him among the best performers in the Everton squad, while also eclipsing Maguire’s average of 6.86.

In the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, the Carlisle-born centre-back was rated as the best-performing defender on the pitch, winning seven of the eight duels he contested, indicating he could be a real upgrade on the Red Devils’ current options.

Maguire is by no means a bad player, ranking highly across some key defensive metrics over the past year, placing in the 97th percentile for interceptions, and the 93rd percentile for aerials won.

However, if Amorim is to turn United back into contenders near the top of the table, it is clear he will need to improve his defence this summer, and Branthwaite, who has been lauded as “colossal”, is showing signs he could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad.

Heading into game week 25 of the Premier League campaign, Crystal Palace currently sit 12th in the table, just four points off of a top-half spot.

They have managed to drag themselves away from a relegation battle, now sitting 13 points ahead of 18th-place Leicester City.

The Eagles are averaging some of the worst attacking numbers in the league. But, on the flip side, their defensive shape and quality are their biggest asset right now under Oliver Glasner, conceding 30 goals in 24 games and averaging 13.1 shots against them per game (ranking 10th in the league for this metric).

Crystal Palace face Everton at Selhurst Park in their next Premier League fixture, who currently sit 15th in the league, but are coming off of a very strong string of results, beating Tottenham, Brighton and Leicester in the league and drawing 2-2 with Liverpool.

Crystal Palace team news

Glasner will remain without Joel Ward (calf injury), Chadi Riad (knee injury) and Cheick Doucoure (knee injury) heading into the Everton game this weekend. Doucoure will now need to undergo surgery on his knee, which means he will miss the entirety of this season.

The likes of Eberechi Eze, Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr are all being assessed ahead of the Toffees game, with the first two currently having knocks/slight injuries and the latter having missed the last match due to illness.

Luckily for the Eagles, Adam Wharton has made his return to action in recent weeks, just in time to take over in midfield from Doucoure, which will give Palace a strong boost.

But after making some new signings in January, and the few injuries they have picked up, Glasner could look to change things up against Everton, adding a new dynamic to his side.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Crystal Palace's new dynamic against Everton

Crystal Palace could look to line up with both new signing Ben Chilwell and academy graduate, Tyrick Mitchell for the first time against Everton, finding a strong balance of attacking output and defensive stability on that left-hand side.

Goals + Assists

0.43

0.11

Progressive Carries

2.35

1.94

Progressive Passes

2.59

2.07

Shots Total

2.23

0.36

xG

0.16

0.03

Key Passes

1.73

1.29

Shot-Creating Actions

2.84

2.28

Tackles

1.85

2.67

Blocks

1.11

2.20

Interceptions

0.74

0.29

When you look at Chilwell’s underlying numbers from his last season under Thomas Tuchel in a back three system which allowed him to play as a wing-back, you can see the value he provides from that position, getting forward, getting shots off, attacking the box and being a threat on goal. In that sense, he could well be a better option for Glasner.

However, that doesn’t mean that Mitchell should miss out. Instead, it means the current incumbent of the left-back role could operate in a slightly unfamiliar left centre-back role in a back five/back three.

This would allow him to still defend in similar left-sided wide areas and add some protection behind the likes of Chilwell and Eze on that side, if/when their talisman is available.

Ex-Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino praised Chilwell as “one of the best” left-backs in the world at his best, while Brendan Rodgers labelled him as “exceptional”, and if Glasner can get that level out of him, it would play a huge part in Palace’s bid for a second top-half finish in a row.

Crystal Palace have hit gold on Eagles star who's worth more than Chilwell

Crystal Palace now have two amazing options at left-back.

ByConnor Holden Feb 9, 2025