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تجاهل مدافع فريق آرسنال، أولكسندر زينشينكو، الانتقادات التي تعرض لها بعدما تسبب في هدف النجم المصري محمد صلاح لصالح ليفربول، في مباراتهما يوم السبت الماضي.

وتلاقى الفريقان في قمة منافسات الجولة الثامنة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي على ملعب “الأنفيلد” حيث تعادلا بهدف لمثله.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | لاعب آرسنال يعترف: ليفربول كان يستحق ضربة جزاء أمامنا

وتسبب زينشينكو في هدف تعادل ليفربول، الذي سجله محمد صلاح، بعدما أخطأ في التعامل مع تمريرة ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى النجم المصري ونجح في هز الشباك.

ورغم الانتقادات، قال زينشينكو في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “فوتبول لندن” الإنجليزية: “لا يزال هناك الكثير من المباريات لنلعبها، علينا فقط أن نسير خطوة بخطوة”.

وأضاف: “نحن بحاجة إلى إظهار أفضل أداء لدينا في كل مرة، بمجرد نزولنا إلى الملعب، أيًا كانت المنافسة، وفي النهاية سنرى”.

Liverpool have not been at the races this season, falling from their pedestal at the forefront of domestic and continental football and now struggling to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds languish in fifth in the Premier League, six points adrift from fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, and fell in the early stages of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

And with Anfield receiving a 5-2 drubbing at the hand of Real Madrid in this term’s Champions League round-of-16 first leg, the Merseyside outfit’s German manager has his work cut out to reinstate the cohesion and intensity that has waned over the duration of the campaign.

Every department of the field has been affected, and while offensive seasonal signings Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, landed for £85m and £35m respectively, have tantalised promise of success, the attacking line has not been what it once was, especially given the £35m departure of prolific stalwart Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.

And with recent news that Klopp favourite Roberto Firmino will depart from Anfield at the end of his contract, further concerns have consequently risen.

Firmino has made 355 appearances for the Reds, scoring 108 goals and supplying 79 assists, integral in the club’s ascension and subsequent clinching of a wealth of major honours including the Premier League and Champions League, also scoring ten goals and providing five assists from just 16 starts this season.

Thus, attention will turn to who can replace him with Lewis Koumas potentially one prodigy set to benefit.

Who is Lewis Koumas?

With such burning requirement for reinforcements at Liverpool, spending a lucrative fee on a replacement for the 31-year-old Firmino might not be the most prudent move, given the offensive ranks at the club boast the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota as well as the aforementioned Nunez and Gakpo.

That’s why academy prospect Koumas – son of former Premier League player Jason Koumas – deserves a shot at ascending to the first-team fold, having impressed for the club’s academy.

“He’s a good footballer. He’s very good at running without the ball, he is very good at running forwards. His movement and timing is excellent – and he likes to finish,” Liverpool coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson once described of the prodigy to The Athletic.

The 17-year-old possesses an innate striking instinct, having scored seven goals and provided three assists from just six matches in the U18 Premier League this season,  also scoring twice from as many games in the UEFA Youth League.

Also speaking to The Athletic, Koumas’ former youth coach Danny Hart stated: “He played like a 16-year-old when he was 10. It was just bizarre, the quality he had. From that first trial alone he was just unreal. He was like the driver and the engine. You could play him wherever you needed to.

“He was such an athlete, which helped, and he was so switched on tactically. You could give him the ball and he knew what to do with it. All of the players looked up to him.”

Praised by Andy Kelly for one performance where he “worked his socks off”, Koumas certainly boasts the cutting edge and work-rate to replace Firmino and eventually earn a place in Klopp’s system over the coming years, giving the copious ranks up front for the senior side, investing in youth and providing the exciting talent with the platform to make a mark could unearth the next club’s next star.

Mikel Arteta has reportedly ‘green-lighted’ a new contract for Granit Xhaka at Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Major turnaround for Xhaka

It was reported that Arsenal were set to open talks with the Swiss midfielder over a new deal by the end of 2022 after a major turnaround following his past relationship with many Gunners supporters.

Xhaka infamously swore at the Emirates Stadium faithful after being jeered when coming off as a substitute against Crystal Palace in 2019, which led to him being stripped of the captaincy.

Since then, he has had to rebuild his relationship with the support base, but he has been a key player in Arsenal’s success so far this season, featuring in Premier League and helping them to remain top of the table.

The Latest: Arteta green-lights new Xhaka contract

Taking to Twitter, Graeme Bailey says that Arteta has ‘green-lighted’ a new deal for Xhaka, who ‘wants to stay’ at Arsenal.

The transfer expert tweeted: “Granit Xhaka wants to stay with Arsenal – Mikel Arteta has green-lighted the move to keep him. Xhaka has been a key performer under Arteta since he took charge. Current deal has less than 18-months left to run.”

Expanding in his corresponding article for 90min, Bailey adds that talks have already taken place over a new contract, with Xhaka’s current deal set to expire in 2024.

The Verdict: Deserved

Xhaka’s new contract would be thoroughly deserved given his impressive performances this season.

The Switzerland international is excelling in a new role under Arteta, in which he has been given more licence to go forward and maraud into the penalty box, as evidenced by his four goals and five assists in total across all competitions in 2022/23.

He has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers in the top flight, ranking highly among his team-mates for average clearances, blocks, key passes and through balls per game (WhoScored).

Furthermore, extending his deal also protects his value for a future sale, although the Gunners will not be thinking about that just yet.

Lewis Cox of The Express & Star has claimed that the recent language used by West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan suggests a ‘long term’ plan.

The Lowdown: Here to stay

The Spaniard agreed to sign a new contract with the Championship side until 2027, after his initial deal that he signed in October only saw him through until 2025.

West Brom are currently sixth in the league table and have won five of their last seven Championship matches.

Prior to his appointment, the Baggies had only won two league matches all season under former manager Steve Bruce.

The Latest: Corberan’s plan

Cox claimed that Corberan had his mind set on a long future at the Hawthorns when analysing his wording on the Express & Star’s YouTube channel.

He stated (8:17), “He spoke about a project today and I thought that was quite telling, he used that word project quite a bit. Both speaking with the broadcast and to us in the written press and the word project to me means long term it doesn’t mean a quick go promotional or go bust.

“We’re talking about promotion being successful here with the project. Promotion is sort of the first big part and then for many reasons on and off the pitch, can the next part of the project be can it be stay there?

“Can it be rather than come straight back down like last time, can such a talented young head coach, work something so Albion can survive?”

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The Verdict: Corberan seems keen

We believe that Corberan seems keen on seeing where he can take West Brom in the near future, and he’s certainly leading them in the right direction so far.

The standings in the Championship are pretty tight, but their recent form suggests they’ll be in and amongst the battle for a play-off position, despite the blip last night.

Our feeling is the Baggies board need to do is back Corberan in upcoming windows, there’s a lot of animosity between a portion of the fans and the ownership at the moment due to broken transfer promises.

Near the end of the January window, they were able to sign Nathaniel Chalobah on a permanent deal and bring in Marc Albrighton on loan.

Our view is that the duo will bring in a lot of experience into the Baggies squad and could well be some good business.

But backing the boss won’t only please the fans, but it gives Corberan a chance to shape West Brom into the vision he wants from our standpoint.

Tottenham are already ‘set’ for a ‘bargain’ summer transfer tussle over France striker Marcus Thuram, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Kane future uncertain…

Spurs star Harry Kane’s future at the club is uncertain as things stand with the England international now well into the final 18 months of his contract.

The 29-year-old’s deal expires in 2024, and while there has been noise of a potential renewal, nothing has been signed as things stand.

Tottenham may need to ponder replacements for Kane, or at the very least a back-up if they wish to keep chase with Premier League football’s most elite sides.

The Latest: Spurs ‘set’ for ‘bargain’ Thuram tussle…

According to a report by AS, via Sport Witness, the Lilywhites are ‘set’ for transfer tussle to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Thuram this summer.

Alongside Spurs, Liverpool, Atletico and Arsenal are displaying an interest in the 25-year-old who is available on a free deal as things stand.

Thuram’s contract expires later this year, making him ‘one of the bargains of the summer’, as per this update.

The Verdict: Fantastic player…

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse forward has been exceptional for Gladbach over 2022/2023, prompting his inclusion in France’s 2022 World Cup squad for Qatar.

Thuram has already hit double figures for goals in the Bundesliga, scoring 10 with a further three assists domestically.

As per WhoScored, the Frenchman has also averaged Gladbach’s highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 and sits just behind teammate Manu Kone in terms of completed dribbles.

Not only is he a physical presence going by his towering height, but it’s clear by the numbers that Thuram is a constant and ever-present threat for the German side.

Vfl Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer heaped praise on Thuram, even after his season-long injury ruled him out for the majority of 2021/2022 – calling him ‘world class’.

The attacker has proved that tag and we believe Spurs would indeed secure a bargain by signing him for free – if they can beat the competition.

Liverpool face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday afternoon, and it is perhaps a gravely concerning actuality that the club’s supporters will hold an overarching sense of pessimism following the Premier League drubbing earlier this month.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are in something of a sticky spell, immensely underwhelming this season following a preceding campaign that struck silverware in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, taking Manchester City to the closing day in the Premier League title race and agonisingly falling short to Real Madrid in the Champions League finale.

The marathon year has taken its toll.

This season, Liverpool languish in tenth place in the English top-flight after the midpoint (19 fixtures played) and have lost their swagger and style, with a recent report from The Athletic detailing the collapse of intensity from the midfield sending Klopp’s system teetering off-balance and removing the formerly iron-clad resilience that charged Klopp’s unwavering intensity.

But with the club overcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup, a trip to the Amex Stadium to battle the high-flying Seagulls will be imperative in the club’s affirmation of their stature, ironing out the creases and reminding the footballing world of their calibre.

Complicated by the ignominious 3-0 loss at the very same stadium mere weeks ago, the Reds will need to channel the very best of their ability to bypass one of English football’s most cohesive units, and there is one man in particular that might be imperative in doing just that.

£85m summer signing Darwin Nunez has been a figure of polarity since his arrival at Anfield, with criticisms over his wayward shooting a consistent theme of conversation since the summer, yet a promising goal record and unwavering tenacity hinting to a prosperous career in Liverpool over the coming years.

Indeed, having scored ten goals and provided three assists from just 15 starts across all competitions for his Merseyside outfit, the 23-year-old Uruguayan has demonstrated his prowess as a clinical presence, and when the goals ostensibly start raining down with slicker precision, he will indeed emerge one of the European scenes most devastating forwards.

As per FBref, the £140k-per-week gem ranks among the top 6% of forwards goals, the top 2% for touches in the attacking box and the top 1% for total shots when compared to those playing across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year.

And having missed the loss on the South Coast due to injury, the “exciting” Nunez – as dubbed by George Chomokov – is certain to make an impact as his outfit looks to exact revenge and continue their defence of the FA Cup.

Having been beaten so comprehensively by Roberto de Zerbi’s Albion earlier this month, many Liverpool supporters might indeed carry a weight of trepidation into the forthcoming FA Cup fixture, but with the “monster” that is Nunez – as hailed by Liverpool writer Charlotte Coates – spearheading the attack, a major victory, one which could indeed turn the tide, could be achieved.

Everton are in an unstable situation yet again in the Premier League after enduring a difficult relegation scrap last season and Frank Lampard will certainly be feeling the pressure ahead of the Southampton clash this weekend, as another defeat could be the final nail in the coffin for the manager.

The Toffees are currently 18th in the league table after tallying up the third-fewest goals over their first 18 outings, so taking all three points from their next game will be crucial in their chances to gain points on their relegation rivals and climb out of the bottom three as soon as possible.

Indeed, there are still 20 fixtures and 60 points available to collect for Everton over the remainder of the season and utilising the golden opportunity to strengthen their attacking threat over the rest of this month is crucial. Indeed, they are truly in need of a consistent and reliable goal-scorer who can kill games and trouble opponents during the second half of the season, perhaps someone in the mould of Romelu Lukaku?

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park is Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres and if the talented goal machine can emulate his Championship form this season so far in the Premier League he would be a huge asset to Lampard going into their challenging push for survival.

Over 25 league appearances, the Swedish striker has scored 12 goals, registered one assist and created three big chances, whilst averaging 1.7 successful dribbles and taking 1.4 shots on target, proving himself to be a ruthless offensive threat.

Also possessing a supreme dose of physicality, having won 5.6 duels per game, that Lukaku comparison may well ring true as Lampard goes in search of finally bringing a new version of the Belgian forward to Goodison.

Words from Coventry manager Mark Robins is perhaps the finest indication yet of his Lukaku-like abilities, combining finishing prowess with athletic qualities. Indeed, he once said:

“He’s not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination but he has some unbelievable ability – power, technique. He has got everything in his locker and that desire and hunger to score goals.”

Standing at 6 foot 2, Gyokeres is a similar height to Lukaku who stands at a slightly taller frame of 6 foot 3. With that in mind, it’s clear that not only do they share many similarities in their style of play, but they are also built comparably.

The duo are incredibly prolific, use their height to their advantage and utilise their physicality to push opponents away in dangerous positions in order to score.

With that being said, the signing of Gyokeres would be a major addition for the Toffees if they could secure his services over the next few weeks. Providing he could bring his desire for goals and follow in the footsteps of Lukaku at Goodison Park it would give the club their best chance of survival this season.

Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that the recent West Ham United transfer links to Ruslan Malinovskyi are ‘wide of the mark’.

What’s the word?

With January now upon us, it’s that time of the year when rumours begin to swirl and it half feels as though every Premier League side is linked with every footballer on the planet.

For instance, the Hammers have recently been tipped to make a move for Malinovskyi of Atalanta. Indeed, according to Calciomercato, David Moyes and co are keen on a deal.

Despite this latest talk, it sounds as though it might be wise not to pay it too much heed. After all, insider Ex has now claimed that West Ham are not currently likely to make a move for the player.

He wrote on The West Ham Way Patreon page: “Despite reports linking us to the signing of Ruslan Malinovskyi of Atalanta, we can confirm that these are wide of the mark.

“The 29-year-old Ukrainian international is out of contract in the summer so does tick a box (players coming close to end of contract) that we wish to explore, however, no move has been made.

“There are reported to be a number of clubs in the race for the player and it isn’t thought at this point that West Ham will make a move.”

Not interested…

Even if West Ham were keen on Malinovskyi, it doesn’t sound as though it would be an easy deal for them to compete with the likes of Marseille linked and Tottenham Hotspur said to be his preferred destination.

The 29-year-old may well be an attractive proposition for a number of clubs as his contract looks set to expire this summer (via Transfermarkt). However, some reports in Italian media (via Football Italia) claim that he has actually signed a two-year renewal.

Either way, it sounds as though it won’t make a huge amount of difference to the Hammers as this seems to be one deal they won’t be pursuing this winter.

West Ham United could be interested in appointing Mauricio Pochettino at the London Stadium.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, should David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady decide to part company with David Moyes in the coming months – with the 59-year-old coming under increasing pressure in east London – the Hammers board could target a move for the Argentine manager.

Regarding the Hammers’ potential interest in the 50-year-old coach, Jones said: “Pochettino would probably be on their list. Tuchel would probably be on that list as well. They would have to be managers that you at least sound out for that position.”

“Special”

While some at the London Stadium may feel that, after guiding West Ham to consecutive top-seven finishes in the Premier League table in the last two years, not to mention the Europa League semi-final in 2021/22, Moyes deserves to be given more time to turn the ship around, it is nevertheless undeniable that Pochettino would be a special replacement for the Scot.

Indeed, after taking over at a relegation-threatened Southampton back in January of 2013, the Argentine guided the Saints to mid-table comfort in his first half-season in charge at St. Mary’s, before spearheading a charge on the top half of the table – despite minimal spending in the summer – in the following campaign, sealing an eighth-place finish in the league.

These results saw Tottenham Hotspur sit up and take notice of the then-42-year-old coach, with Daniel Levy ultimately going on to appoint Pochettino as the new Spurs manager in the summer of 2013 – taking over a side that had finished the 2013/14 campaign in sixth place under the management of Tim Sherwood.

The former Espanyol midfielder undoubtedly enjoyed the best period of his managerial career to date in north London, leading Spurs to a fifth-place finish in his first season in charge, before securing four consecutive top-four finishes between 2015 and 2018 – including a campaign in which the Lilywhites narrowly missed out on the title to Chelsea, finishing second in 2016/17.

The 50-year-old also took Tottenham to their first-ever Champions League final in 2018/19, losing 2-0 to Liverpool at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, before he was sacked from his position a matter of months after this loss – after which Tottenham have finished outside of the top four in two of the last three campaigns.

Meanwhile, Pochettino would go on to take over at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of 2020/21, with the manager who has been described as “special” leading a star-studded PSG side to the Ligue 1 title in 2021/22, as well as the Champions League semi-final in his first season in charge at Le Parc des Princes.

As such, considering the fact that the Argentine tactician boasts a track record of improving a club’s league standing, developing teams into European title contenders and having won a league title, it is undeniable that, should GSB go on to part with Moyes in the coming months, Pochettino would very much appear to be a perfect fit for the Hammers’ lofty ambitions.

Liverpool are set to open talks with the representatives of World Cup star Cody Gakpo in the near future, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Gakpo dazzles in Qatar…

The PSV Eindhoven sensation has continued to build his stellar reputation with some scintillating performances in the Middle East.

Gakpo is currently dazzling for the Netherlands with three goals in his last three tournament matches, scoring in each of their group games against Senegal, Ecuador and host nation Qatar.

Louis van Gaal’s side have cruised through to the competition’s last 16, with the forward playing a major role in their successful campaign so far.

As a result, Gakpo’s stock is rising, and Liverpool are one of the many clubs to have taken note of his exploits.

The Latest: Liverpool line up Gakpo talks…

According to Dutch reports, it appears that the Premier League giants are lining up discussions over the possible signing of Gakpo.

It is believed that Liverpool are planning to open talks with the 23-year-old’s entourage soon, joining what could be a very hotly-contested battle for his services in 2023.

This information comes courtesy of Voetbal International (via Caught Offside), who reported that Jurgen Klopp’s side are eyeing a move for Gakpo.

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The Verdict: Exciting talent…

Called ‘magnificent’ for his performances at club level by members of the media, this form at the World Cup is no flash in the pan, and it’s clear that he is one of Europe’s hottest commodities right now.

Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen has also heaped praise on Gakpo and his ability, saying in a recent interview that the attacking ace ‘has everything’.

The Eredivisie starlet has turned many heads already with his performances for PSV, standing out as their star player with nine goals and 12 assists in just 14 league starts (WhoScored).

Liverpool’s interest isn’t surprising, but there may well be a real auction on the horizon.