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We are only two games into the Premier League season, and alarm bells are already ringing at West Ham United.

Graham Potter’s side look like they could be heading for a relegation battle this season unless something changes, and fast.

Fortunately, the club are now making moves in the transfer market, with Soungoutou Magassa having a medical this week and a deal finally being agreed for Mateus Fernandes.

However, they aren’t done there either, as the Hammers are now being linked with an international who’d be an upgrade on the Southampton star.

West Ham target Fernandes upgrade

West Ham have been subject to a few transfer sagas this summer, but one of the more significant ones has concerned Fernandes.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Over the last few weeks, the Hammers saw two offers for the midfield maestro rejected by Southampton, but finally, for a fee in excess of £40m, they’ve got their man.

The Portuguese ace is an exciting addition to Potter’s squad, but it now looks like the East Londoners are targeting someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spanish publication AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, which claims West Ham are interested in Conor Gallagher.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are one of a number of teams set to make an offer for the Englishman in the coming hours.

The story claims that Atlético Madrid would let the former Chelsea star leave for a fee of up to €40m, which is about £35m.

While that is a lot of money, Gallagher would be worth it, especially as he’d be a better signing than Fernandes.

How Gallagher compares to Fernandes

Now, the first thing to say is that Fernandes does look like he’ll be a great signing for West Ham, and is someone who will undoubtedly improve the quality of the squad.

However, it’s also true that, for our money, Gallagher would be the better signing, and the first reason relates to their respective experience.

At this point, the former Chelsea star has made 170 appearances in a top-five league, with 136 in the Premier League and 34 in La Liga.

On top of that, he’s made 17 appearances in the Champions League and won 22 senior caps for England.

On the other hand, the Saints gem has made just 36 appearances in a top-five league and never played for his national side.

In other words, he is still a relatively raw player, whereas the Englishman is a seasoned professional and just the sort of midfielder you want in a team struggling to stay afloat.

On top of being a far more proven star, the Epsom-born monster was also more of an attacking threat last season, despite generally playing deeper.

For example, in the 47 appearances he made for Atleti prior to the Club World Cup, which totalled 2446 minutes, he scored four goals and provided six assists.

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That means the “sensational” international, as dubbed by reporter John Cross, averaged a goal involvement every 4.7 games, or every 244.6 minutes.

Gallagher vs Fernandes in 24/25

Players

Gallagher

Fernandes

Appearances

47

44

Minutes

2446

3409′

Goals

4

3

Assists

6

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.21

0.20

Minutes per Goal Involvement

244.6

378.77′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Olhão-born gem scored three goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3409 minutes.

That means that he maintained a decent, but less impressive, average of a goal involvement every 4.88 games, or more crucially, every 378.77 minutes.

Ultimately, while Fernandes will be a good signing for West Ham, Gallagher has the potential to be an even better one.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Heading into this campaign, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City must have felt confident that they could clinch a jaw-dropping fifth Premier League title in a row.

Unfortunately for the Citizens, Arne Slot’s Liverpool would go against this foregone conclusion and romp home as champions themselves, but the sky blue half of Manchester still have the FA Cup final to look forward to in an attempt to lift some form of silverware.

Then, a rebuild of sorts could be on the table at the Etihad, with midfield reinforcements perhaps needed considering Kevin De Bruyne is exiting City when the season is over, on top of an equally ageing Ilkay Gundogan leaving a lot to be desired.

Man City's transfer targets in midfield

A whole host of names have been churned out subsequently, seen in the likes of Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White being linked as statement buys that could enhance Guardiola’s men in the number ten spot.

Another target thrown into the mix recently has been ex-Norwich City man Gabriel Sara, with reports from France even stating that contact has already taken place between City and Sara’s current side, Galatasaray, over a move.

But, the FA Cup finalists might well seek out alternative targets away from solely landing Sara, with The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards now reporting this week that the Premier League giants are interested in striking up a deal with Newcastle United ace Sandro Tonali.

After all, the Magpies number 8 would be seen as an upgrade on Sara if he was to join, especially when you consider Tonali has been classy performer throughout his St James’ Park stay to date.

How Tonali would be an upgrade on Sara

Whilst Sara has tasted English football in the past when on the books of the Canaries, he has never notched up any minutes in the intense Premier League across his career to date.

On the contrary, Tonali has been a top-flight regular for Eddie Howe’s men ever since his bumper £55m move from AC Milan back in 2023.

This season alone, the 24-year-old star has tallied up 32 league appearances for the Toon, with his consistent, classy performances from the middle of the park seeing him described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Giuseppe Rossi, having picked up three goals and two assists.

Whilst Sara can boast heftier numbers in terms of output when starring in the Turkish top division this season with eight goal contributions overall next to Tonali’s five, the Galatasaray number 20 does still come up short in certain aspects of their respective midfield games.

Tonali’s league numbers (24/25) vs Sara’s (24/25)

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

Tonali

Sara

Games played

32

27

Goals scored

3

2

Assists

2

6

Touches*

51.5

60.1

Accurate passes*

33.7 (85%)

35.9 (83%)

Ball recoveries*

5.1

4.1

Total duels won*

3.7

3.4

Tackles *

1.4

0.9

Interceptions *

0.9

0.6

Stats by Sofascore

As can be seen looking at the table above, Tonali – who has even be hailed as “world-class” previously by football journalist Carlo Garganese – would be able to give City lots of energy from the middle of the park away from simply chipping in with goals and assists, with more ball recoveries and duels won on the end of the Italian than Sara has managed in the Super Lig.

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Forceful in approach on top of stylishly spraying the ball about, the 24-year-old might well be the perfect midfield addition as City go about revamping all over the pitch, with a steady Premier League purchase helping Guardiola’s side to shore up away from a vibrant Omar Marmoush bombing forward.

Reports do suggest that Tonali is happy to stick it out with the Toon, but if an opening presents itself soon to snap up the Italian over Sara, City need to go all in for the Magpies fan favourite.

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Everton showed great fight and fortitude as they battled through a gruelling December run, avoiding defeat against some top-class opposition. They were, however, dismal in the culminating fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The Tricky Trees have been exceptional in the Premier League this season, behind only Liverpool and Arsenal, but Sean Dyche didn’t hold back as he rebuked his squad for failing to deal with danger.

Having avoided defeat across their previous four, Everton will now look to put that blip behind them and start the new year with a bang as they travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth.

Andoni Iraola’s side have been impressive this term, showcasing their attacking style and avoiding defeat across their past seven top-flight outings. Everton will need to display every ounce of their grit and strike on the counter as the hosts look to stretch forward.

Everton team news

Everton have failed to win on all seven of their Premier League trips to the Vitality Stadium and will have to change that without chief playmaker Dwight McNeil, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Seamus Coleman is still out, as are James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam, though the latter pair are “back on the grass” and approaching a much-needed comeback as Everton look to steer away from relegation danger.

Further up the field, Armando Broja will want to reprise his role at number nine but Dominic Calvert-Lewin will fancy his chances despite his abject form this season.

There are a couple of further areas that Dyche will be keen on changing up, however, with Jack Harrison among the worst performers last time out.

Why Dyche must drop Jack Harrison

Harrison has flattered to deceive this season, failing to register a single goal contribution across 17 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old is entering the final phase of a two-year loan at Goodison Park and you can’t imagine Everton’s new owners will be desperate to tie him down permanently.

Reliable sources such as The Athletic have already confirmed that Everton are set to scour the market for new wingers, and after another dismal display against Forest last time out, Harrison will know that not only are his days as a Toffee numbered but so too are his days as a starting member.

The Liverpool Echo’s Chris Beesley didn’t hold back in his assessment, branding Harrison with a 4/10 match rating after his lifeless effort. His replacement, Jesper Lindstrom, was ‘much more of a threat’ and should start against Bournemouth.

Everton 0-2 Forest: Jack Harrison v Jesper Lindstrom

Match Stats

Harrison

Lindstrom

Minutes played

45′

45′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

25

35

Pass completion

9/17

13/13 (100%)

Key passes

1

1

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

3 (2)

Tackles

0

1

Total duels (won)

4 (1)

9 (3)

Stats via Sofascore

Harrison isn’t the only man who needs to watch from the sidelines this afternoon, with Vitalii Mykolenko also culpable for a woeful performance last time out.

Why Dyche should drop Vitalii Mykolenko

But wait, Everton’s supply of left-backs isn’t exactly deep. However, Ashley Young has featured in the position twice this term, keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United and claiming an assist versus Leicester City; both results were draws.

Young might be 39 years old, but he’s still been one of Everton’s most dependable performers this season, averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.1 tackles per game while winning 59% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

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Mykolenko, conversely, has lacked composure and conviction, and this was perfectly illustrated by The Toffees Blues, who cried that he was costing the Merseysiders and “giving goals away.”

His languidness in closing down Abdoulaye Doucoure’s loose pass demonstrated a lack of awareness that is simply unforgivable in Everton’s current circumstances.

Moreover, the 25-year-old lost the ball 17 times, as per Sofascore, as he sought to pump creativity through to the frontline but also squandered promising possessional phases on several occasions. There’s no question that Young is the superior ball player, even on his ostensibly weaker side.

Ultimately, the Ukrainian is a talented player, but Everton will be up against it today and must not afford the hosts any space to work with. Young is competent at left-back, one of the most versatile players in the Premier League, and with Nathan Patterson returning last week, it might be a rotation that could bear fruit.

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West Ham United have work to do after losing their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. It wasn't the start that an incensed Julen Lopetegui would have wanted but the positives were there.

Having lost their European membership after missing out on top six last term, West Ham have repackaged their first team with several exciting signings, though there may be more still to come.

West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa: Michail Antonio Stats

Statistic

#

Minutes played

73'

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

2 (0)

Touches

21

Accurate passes

6/9 (67%)

Key passes

0

Dribble attempts

0/0

Total duels won

0/2

Stats via Sofascore

Against Villa, Michail Antonio flattered to deceive up, looking isolated and negligent of defensive duties. The burly Niclas Fullkrug has been signed from Borussia Dortmund in a £27m deal, but Lopetegui seems to want another striker to complete his frontline.

Well, despite a hefty summer outlay, West Ham might just have found the perfect player to strengthen Lopetegui's accord…

West Ham's search for a striker

As per Football Insider, Tammy Abraham is on West Ham's shortlist as the summer transfer window wheels into the final phase. Shooting for AS Roma, the Englishman has been transfer listed for €25m (£21m) following the signing of Artem Dovbyk from Girona.

Abraham, aged 26, spent the majority of the 2023/24 season out injured but boasts a proven goalscoring record throughout his career – with several European trophies to boot.

With efforts to sign Villa's Jhon Duran seemingly exhausted, this could be the perfect move for Lopetegui's outfit, which has its sights set on reclaiming a place on the continent.

What Tammy Abraham would bring to West Ham

Abraham has enjoyed a career laden with success, and while he has been blighted by recent misfortune, there is every chance that he would rekindle his finest form with a transfer back to the Premier League.

Tammy Abraham: Career Stats

Club

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

Trophies

AS Roma

119 (86)

37

13

2x

Chelsea

82 (51)

30

10

1x

Bristol City

48 (42)

26

4

0x

Aston Villa

40 (40)

26

3

1x

Swansea City

39 (21)

8

4

0x

Stats via Transfermarkt

Like Fullkrug, the former Chelsea star is rangy and effective as a focal frontman, but he is more dynamic, with sharper and breezier mobility and a creative sheen besides – indeed, across his first two Serie A campaigns, Abraham averaged one key pass per game.

And let's not forget that his maiden year in the Italian capital saw 27 goals plundered en route to triumph in the Europa Conference League, with the player remarking that his manager at the time, Jose Mourinho, had turned him into a "monster".

Standing at 6 foot 3, the 11-cap England international is indeed a towering presence but he's nimble and slippery with an intelligence to dart between the lines and latch onto threaded passes.

Now, who might West Ham have to complement that particular skill…

Imagine him & Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta's long-term future is up in the air, with the FA continuing their investigation into the Brazilian's alleged spot-fixing, but he started the current campaign with a goal, scoring from the spot on Saturday but unable to prevent his team from falling to defeat.

An elite-level player, the 26-year-old could indeed form a deadly partnership with Abraham, providing him with support to ensure that he would hit the ground running upon returning to London.

Once hailed as a "goal machine" by former youth coach Stephen Elliott, Abraham would carry the nuts and bolts of the centre-forward game into the London Stadium and would find those natural-born properties enhanced considerably by a playmaker of Paqueta's distinction.

Paqueta – who was the subject of a £80m approach from Manchester City one year ago, before the aforementioned charges materialised – ranked among the top 12% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for tackles and the top 9% for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.

Those lattermost metrics are particularly eye-catching. Sure, everyone knows of the £150k-per-week phenom's creative flair, but his tenacious defensive work rate is so important for West Ham too – perhaps more so, in a way.

Encompassing the scope of the midfield game, Paqueta would make Abraham virtually unplayable with his surgical passing, and he would also enable the Roma ace to cause damage in the final third by applying tough-tackling pressure from deep.

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Last season, in the Premier League, the dynamo averaged 2.3 tackles, 6.3 ball recoveries and a whopping 7.6 successful duels per game, alternating between the centre of the field and out wide on the left but invariably performing with energy and commitment.

With players like Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme signed to Lopetegui's team this summer, Paqueta will be expected to perform from a central position with regularity, thrusting forward to influence and dictate.

Fullkrug provides the steel and doggedness that can change a game, while Antonio's power and physique make him a constant threat, despite the fact that he is 34 years old.

In Abraham, though, West Ham might just find that they gain the services of a striker who can perform with a multi-skilled ability, all the while inflicting damage with a sharp shooting quality.

For a player whose "currency is goals", as was said by one-time Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, bringing Abraham back to the English top flight feels like something of a no-brainer. Lopetegui boasts a healthy mix of attacking talent, but this could be the final piece to lift the Irons to new heights.

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Leeds United lost for just the second time this calendar year in all competitions after slipping up away at Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, with Ellis Simms and Co getting the better of a lacklustre Whites to secure a 2-1 victory come full-time.

That means Leeds have surrendered their grip on the top two in the Championship for the time being by dropping down to third position, as Enzo Maresca's Leicester City left it late to beat Birmingham City 2-1 to make Daniel Farke's men feel even more despondent at the final whistle.

Many Leeds players who usually come up trumps for Farke's side struggled at the CBS Arena against Mark Robins' playoff-chasing Sky Blues, none more so than Georginio Rutter who underwhelmed throughout a sub-standard 90 minutes from the typically lively Frenchman.

Georginio Rutter's performance vs Coventry in numbers

Rutter was out-of-sorts by his high standards in the disappointing 2-1 defeat, unable to make an impact like he has done so many times this season for the Whites when a moment of magic has been needed.

The poor Leeds number 24 would muster up just one shot on Bradley Collins' net during the entire game, with that effort being a speculative effort that killed the away side's momentum late on.

Moreover, the ex-TSG Hoffenheim man would come away from the narrow loss with a 65% pass accuracy next to his name and just one key pass managed to try and unlock a stern and determined Coventry defence.

The 21-year-old was tricky with the ball at his feet with five out of six successful dribble attempts registered, but it was his feebleness winning duels that would have gotten under Farke's skin at the conclusion of the game.

The 6 foot attacking midfielder – who was awarded a 5/10 match rating by the Yorkshire Evening Post – would win just nine of the 24 duels that came his way, with Coventry coming out on top more often than not in a decisive 50/50 when Rutter was present.

Rutter's numbers vs Coventry

Minutes played

90

Touches

56

Accurate passes

17/26 (65%)

Shots on target

0

Duels won

9/24

Possession lost

25x

Stats by Sofascore

Losing possession 25 times for this team wouldn't have helped Leeds' cause on their travels to the CBS Arena whatsoever, with his attacking teammates in Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville likely getting frustrated by the Frenchman's torrid afternoon.

This below-par showing from the £70k per week Leeds man could see him axed from the Whites lineup when the West Yorkshire side face off against Sunderland on Tuesday night back on home turf.

Joel Piroe could well feel his late goal against the Sky Blues means he's deserving of a start against the Black Cats, with Farke now left with a selection conundrum to address.

The players who could replace Rutter v Sunderland

The obvious shout is to bring the ex-Swansea City man into the lineup at the expense of Rutter, with Piroe starring in this number-ten spot at times this season.

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Piroe's strike in the 76th minute against Coventry nearly initiated a late comeback too, the Dutchman eager to kick on as a result and be unleashed from the get-go next match to further add to his 12-goal tally for the Championship season.

Mateo Joseph could also be fancied up top over Patrick Bamford in another possible alteration, who put in another forgettable performance to his side's detriment.

Rutter being given a breather with the games coming thick and fast this crucial April could be a wise decision to take by Farke, the Frenchman fading in and out of the 3-1 Hull win prior to this Coventry defeat as well by missing two big chances.

Regardless of the XI fielded by the German manager this coming mid-week, Leeds fans will just pray this defeat on the road is a momentary blip and a confident three points can be secured back at Elland Road.

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Sunderland suffered a setback in their hunt for the Championship playoff positions last night, succumbing to back-to-back defeats as Darren Moore's Huddersfield Town travelled to the Stadium of Light and pulled off a shock 2-1 win at the expense of Tony Mowbray's lacklustre Black Cats.

The Terriers won the match courtesy of an instinctive finish from attacker Delano Burgzorg late on, persistence paying off for the away side after a mazey run initially unsettled the Sunderland backline, before Burgzorg fired home past Anthony Patterson for the decisive match-winning goal.

Mowbray's men will feel aggrieved that they didn't at least pick up a point from this contest, the statistics from the match pointing in the direction that Sunderland should have romped home to a comprehensive victory instead of coming up short.

Sunderland's game in numbers

Sunderland on another night, playing at their free-flowing best, would have confidently beaten the Terriers without even batting an eyelid – Mowbray's misfiring group registering 27 shots on goal to Huddersfield's lesser nine attempts.

Yet, the Black Cats continually fluffed their lines on the night with only of nine those efforts going down as shots on target. Whereas, Huddersfield were far more effective and clincial by scoring two of their five shots on target at the Stadium of Light to pull off a surprise win.

This loss brings into view even more the necessity for Sunderland to finally sign a new striker this January to replace Ross Stewart, the Black Cats spurning countless chances that should've nestled into the back of Chris Maxwell's opposing goal with an xG of 2.73 overall as per Sofascore.

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It was also something of an off-day for the exciting Jobe Bellingham in the midfield as the teenager 'looked leggy throughout' – in the words of the Chronicle's James Hunter – while the Sunderland Echo's Phil Smith noted that the former Birmingham City man was also 'fairly quiet and didn't create much'.

The 18-year-old wasn't alone in underwhelming, however, with the typically reliable rock that is Dan Ballard also underperforming.

Daniel Ballard's game in numbers

Sunderland's number five struggled all evening up against Darren Moore's Terriers, losing 66.7% of his duels versus Huddersfield in an uncharacteristic display – Ballard before this match winning 5.5 duels on average per 90 minutes this campaign.

He would only win two all evening in this one, while also losing possession on nine occasions, Huddersfield buoyed by Ballard's sub-standard showing at the back.

The former Arsenal youth prospect also failed to put in a single tackle all evening to thwart the Terriers when they darted forward, alongside ducking further defensive responsibilities by not making a single clearance all night too.

On another night, a more dogged display by Ballard and the rest of the Sunderland defence would have kept Huddersfield at arm's length and ensured the Black Cats picked up three points instead of coming away from the home game empty-handed.

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It led to Dominic Shaw, football journalist for the Northern Echo, giving Ballard a 5/10 in this player ratings article directly after the 2-1 loss, stating that Ballard was 'well short of his commanding best'.

The Northern Ireland international – as well as Bellingham – will dust himself off after this below-par display and will hope he can get back to his best in Sunderland's next Championship match away at Millwall.

Mowbray will be asking for his promotion-chasing group to up their performances away from just Ballard, Sunderland now four points off the playoffs after two consecutive losses.

Liverpool have retained their interest in OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to complete his midfield ahead of a crucial Premier League campaign.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram?

That's according to Tuttosport (via FC Inter News), who write that Liverpool are interested in signing the Frenchman but face a wave of competition from Inter Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

The report claims that Thuram, the 'jewel' of Nice, is indeed attracting intense attention from said outfits are impressing in Ligue 1, with Les Aiglons believed to have placed a €50m (£43m) price tag on the energetic midfielder to ward off advances.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

While the 22-year-old is happy to stay put, Liverpool could do with a few more faces in the centre after losing James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on free transfers, Fabio Carvalho on loan and Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian sides this summer.

How good is Khephren Thuram?

Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m before swooping for the creative Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m, and while such purchases are impressive, more needs to be done to ensure the top-four is not missed for a second successive season.

While a move for holding midfielder Romeo Lavia is taking centre stage at present – the Reds have failed with three bids; Southampton are holding out for £50m – Thuram could be targetted next to close the door on the midfield rebuild.

Journalist Zach Lowy believes that Liverpool must strike a deal in any case, as he explained exactly what the box-to-box ace could bring for Klopp's side:

"Khephren Thuram is just the sort of player that Liverpool need to transform their midfield. Elite ball carrier for someone of his size and really effective at winning the ball high up the pitch — perfect signing for Klopp’s side."

If the Merseyside outfit do decide to forge ahead with another midfield transfer after the Lavia saga is concluded, one way or another, then the interest in Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall must be abandoned in place of Nice's gem, who would surely bring more to the table for a lasting period.

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have been monitoring Dewsbury-Hall's progress with the Foxes over the past year, and have been left impressed despite suffering relegation from the Premier League.

The 24-year-old, who is rated at £24m by FootballTransfers, can hold his head high as many of his peers succumbed to dismal form and the defence capitulated to flood in the water and sink the ship.

As per Sofascore, he recorded an average league rating of 6.86 last term, completing 79% of his passes, forging 1.3 key passes and 1.7 tackles per outing and winning 52% of his ground duels.

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Comparatively, Thuram averaged a match rating of 7.04 in France, completing 87% of his passes, making 1.1 key passes, 1.1 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per game and succeeding with 51% of his dribbles.

Once lauded as "tenacious" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Thuram also ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries, the top 9% for successful take-ons, the top 21% for assists and the top 23% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref.

Dewsbury-Hall is listed as a comparable player to the one-cap France international, and while he does rank among the top 12% of positional peers for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for blocks per 90, with such a similar profile to Thuram Klopp would have to decide between the pair.

And Thuram simply has to be the answer – at just 22 years of age, he could be moulded to the German manager's own creation and be nurtured into a truly world-class talent, one capable of spearheading Liverpool toward a new era of illustrious success.

Liverpool are in pole position to sign Mason Mount this summer as they target a midfield rebuild ahead of the 2023/24 season.

In addition to their pursuit of Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool are closing in on a move to sign Mount.

Are Liverpool going to sign Mason Mount?

Last month, Football Insider reported that FSG have approved a contract for Mount to sign should he make the switch to Anfield. Jurgen Klopp is said to be keen to add him to his engine room as the Reds look to return to the heights they reached last season.

Many clubs will be drawn to signing high-profile English players as it helps them reach the Premier League's quota on homegrown players.

And a more recent report from Football Insider claims Liverpool are in pole position to sign Mount for around £10m less than Chelsea's £80m asking price.

While the Blues still want to keep Mount, Liverpool are well-placed to complete a deal for the 24-year-old midfielder as he is set to enter the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

It's claimed that Chelsea will make another attempt to persuade Mount to stay, with Mauricio Pochettino set to hold talks with him.

How could Mount improve Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp is world-renowned for his ability to develop young talent and he clearly recognises the potential Mason Mount has.

Mount also ticks the all-important "homegrown" box, and with James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both leaving this summer, the Reds could be set to benefit if Chelsea are unable to retain his services.

Liverpool have struggled at times this year, but adding a high-quality playmaker like Mount – who has plenty of valuable experience at the highest level of club and international football – will ensure the Merseysiders can carry more threat in the middle of the park, which has been highlighted as a problem area.

The 2022/23 season has been far from Mount's best, but in 2021/22, he got 13 goals and 16 assists. Once dubbed a "mad player" by Rio Ferdinand, the midfielder could help transform Liverpool's engine room if he can fulfil his potential.

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Since Philippe Coutinho left for Barcelona in 2018, that kind of output from midfield has been a distant dream. Mount could yet bounce back to his best next season with the likes of Mohamed Salah ready to make the most of his creativity.

Liverpool would be getting a brilliant player in Mount – even if it costs £70m – so the latest claims should provide some optimism on Merseyside.

West Ham manager David Moyes has been criticised after his decision to bring on Tomas Soucek over Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini.

The Lowdown: Derby day…

The east Londoners took on capital rivals Chelsea in what was an interesting encounter as one side looked to kick on after a plethora of signings whilst the other battles relegation.

West Ham are currently fighting for their Premier League survival with six other top flight sides and games like today will be crucial in determining whether they remain in the big time.

Chelsea got off to the better start with Joao Felix burying a calm, first time finish from close range after Enzo Fernandez’ sumptuous cross.

Moyes’ side, however, found themselves at 1-1 almost out of nowhere before half time with ex-Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri burying Jarrod Bowen’s flick-on at the far post.

West Ham went on to grab a 1-1 draw but nearly stole a late win with VAR ruling out Soucek’s late goal for offside.

The Latest: Rennie slams Moyes decision…

Moyes was slammed by talkSPORT commentator Rennie on Twitter for one decision in the first 45 – namely his call to bring on Soucek after Lucas Paqueta’s injury.

The broadcaster claimed that West Ham’s boss would have been far better bringing on a similar midfield player to Paqueta in Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini.

He explained:

“Even the substitution. So you’ve built the team around Paqueta (for some reason), you’ve got Fornals & Lanzini who at least play the same game, and you bring on Soucek. A completely different style of player. Moyes is rubbish.”

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The Verdict: Regret?

It’s arguable that Moyes may have been better introducing one of Lanzini or Fornals in place of Paqueta – namely to maintain a fluidity.

Soucek’s towering frame arguably makes it difficult for the Czech Republic international to turn and run at the same pace – not to mention he is less creative than Paqueta in terms of key passes and attempted shots per 90.

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Bar the midfielder’s disallowed goal, he didn’t appear to make much of an impact, at least according to SofaScore.

The 27-year-old lost possession 15 times after his introduction whilst losing the majority of his ground duels.

Soucek finished the 90 minutes as one of West Ham’s lowest-rated players overall – having also been dribbled past twice on the day.

Going by the stats, you can see Rennie’s point that Lanzini or Fornals maybe should have been introduced as an alternative.

West Ham United have seen a wealth of talent head to the World Cup from east London, with Declan Rice and Nayef Aguerd already shining for their respective nations.

However, with Lucas Paqueta, it threw up a very different challenge for the former Lyon midfielder.

In a Brazil side inundated with stars, it remained to be seen whether he could hold his own despite a somewhat disappointing start to life at the London Stadium.

Having played 14 times for the Hammers now, the 25-year-old is yet to score and only has three assists to his name.

With his club-record £51m price tag attached to him, it makes his return somewhat disappointing.

However, what will have pleased fans and Hammers boss David Moyes, was how well he took to the challenge of international football on Thursday night.

Starting beside Casemiro, the creative midfielder was handed a more conservative role by Tite, preferred to the likes of Fabinho, Fred and Bruno Guimaraes.

Challenged to be the “joker in the pack” by journalist and South American expert Tim Vickery, he impressed in his deeper position.

Although it was a hardly spectacular performance, he did shine with a workmanlike display that was integral to his side’s victory, earning his 7.2 SofaScore rating.

Having touched the ball 52 times, it was clear the 25-year-old was trying to make things happen, even if it did lead to a detrimental 73% pass accuracy.

With his quality, he likely was handed the job of trying the extraordinary, whilst his midfield partner just kept things simple. This resulted in his one key pass.

However, it was his defensive work that saw him truly shine.

Boasting four tackles and two clearances, he was everywhere on the pitch. These battles in the centre of the field culminated in the six duels he won out of seven (85% success rate).

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Although he once again did not find his creative spark, against Serbia it was not needed.

He sat behind one of the best front fours in world football and screened the back four to perfection.

Should he add a bit more quality when he is asked to try eccentric things, Paqueta could quickly become one of Brazil’s most important players.

Moyes will then be hoping that can be translated back into his domestic football upon his return.