Category Archives: UK

Teams from the UK leagues.

Adama Traore: Is the Barca prodigy ready for the Premier League?

  By O-Posts Team | August 4, 2024 - 19:35 | , , , , , , , , ,
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In the last two days, reports in Spain have suggested that Barcelona starlet Adama Traore is bound for the Premier League with Liverpool being the most likely destination.

Further reports in England have backed up these claims although alternative sources have also linked the right-winger with a move to Stoke City or Aston Villa.

While his final destination still remains unclear, it is almost certain that the player will move due to his limited chances of securing first-team football at the Camp Nou.

So what can Premier League fans expect to see when he finally arrives?

 

A Product of the La Masia academy

Troare is yet another product of the famed Barcelona La Masia academy; but like many recent graduates, he looks set to be sold on for a profit (perhaps with an option to buy back at a later date).

With so many superstars in their team, it is becoming increasingly difficult for players from the youth ranks to establish themselves in the first team. As a result, Traore looks set to follow the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Gerard Deulofeu, Patricio Gabarrón and Carles Planas out of the Blaugrana exit door.

While many players that leave Barca simply do not make the grade, Traore has always been considered one of the brighter prospects to emerge during the last few years.

As a result, his situation has been monitored by many high profile teams including Liverpool and Manchester United in England.

 

Lowdown on Traore

The 19-year-old from Malian descent was born and bred in Catalonia and joined the Barcelona academy at just eight years of age. By the age of 17, he had been selected for the B team where he went on to make more than 60 appearances in the Segunda Division.

During this time he was also selected for the senior squad and made four appearances, scoring one goal. However, he has failed to establish himself as a regular squad member.

His natural position is on the right flank, although he could be classed as more of an attacking wide player than an orthodox right-winger. During his time at youth and B team level, he also featured on the left-hand side of a front three where he looked equally comfortable.

As can be expected from a product of La Masia, he is technically very gifted and is a capable of turning full-backs inside out with his dribbling ability and pace.

In 2013-14, Traore was one of the key players in the Catalan club’s UEFA Youth League triumph.

 

Interested clubs and which club he suits the most

His style of play would be well-suited to Liverpool but with the player desperate for first-team football, a move to Aston Villa or Stoke might actually make more sense.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has been a long-time admirer of the player and feels that he would slot perfectly into their new system of play. The Potters made their first attempt to lure the player back in January, but will now have to fend off interest from their Premier League rivals in order to secure his signature.

It is expected that his future will be determined in the next seven days with Barcelona hoping to achieve a sale price in the region of €10m.

 

Written by Neil Morris

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Baba Rahman: Why is Chelsea very interested in the Augsburg left-back?

  By O-Posts Team | August 4, 2024 - 16:01 | , , , , , , ,
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One of the exciting talents that emerged in the Bundesliga recently has been left back Abdul Baba Rahman. The twenty-one year old Ghanaian plies his trade for first division side Augsburg. Baba Rahman is a product of the Dreams Football Academy in Accra. He joined Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko before sealing his first foreign deal at German second tier side Greuther Furth.

 

Quick Facts

Name: Abdul Baba Rahman
Age: 21
Place of Birth: Tamale
Position: Left back
Club: F.C Augsburg

Baba Rahman enjoyed a stellar debut season at Kotoko winning the Ghanaian Premier League which saw him seal a move to Germany. He played for the Ghana under-20 team that won bronze at the FIFA World Cup in Turkey.

He unfortunately missed the Black Stars team that played at the World Cup in Brazil, but was a leading member of the Stars team that won silver at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.

 

Key Strengths

An energetic full back who runs up and down the field for the whole duration of the game. Rahman can pick a pass as well shield off attackers with his physical strength.

Baba’s key strengths are his crosses and ability to tackle his markers especially one-on-ones. At 1.79 meters, Baba adds additional height to the defence in set piece and aerial situations.

 

Stats

Abdul Baba Rahman made 29 starting appearances for Augsburg last season providing four assists. On the international scene, he played all 5 games for the Black Stars in the African Cup of Nations as well as their only qualifier for the 2017 edition of the Cup of Nations.

 

Interested Teams

Baba Rahman’s impressive performances have caught the eye of English champions Chelsea, who have parted ways with Brazilian full back Filipe Luis. The Blues, who are currently short of numbers in the fullback position, are interested in the services of Rahman who they perceive has enough quality to help them challenge for trophies on all fronts.

Baba has been so impressive, the president of his current club is unwilling to let him go. “We do not need the Baba millions. We have a good, solid team here,” he told Bild. “I am very optimistic that Baba will continue his great performances with us. He’s made a very good impression at our recent training camp. Why keep Baba? I am an Augsburg fan. To me, it’s more important that I spend the evening watching Augsburg win with a beer in my hand than when we have more money in the bank account.”

 

Written by Ridwan Asante

Follow Ridwan on Twitter @ridwanasante

Check out his excellent site on everything Ghanaian football, Ghana Soccernet

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Premier League: What methods do the top teams use to prep for the new season?

  By O-Posts Team | August 4, 2024 - 14:22 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Many football fans appreciate the hard work that players put into getting ready for a new season, but many fans do not realize that the break between seasons is filled with training instead of holidays and relaxation.

Players continue to work to make sure they are in good physical form and ready for the next season.

 

Why is pre-season preparation important?

Some players do not enjoy the pre-season process. It can be difficult, but they know that they have to do it if they want to be in top form. So what does it involve?

Plenty of fitness training goes on pre-season, and running is a major part of that. In recent years, the use of modern technology in pre-season training has put more pressure on players. Players are no longer just sent out on runs; they are monitored closely with heart monitors and GPS systems so that their data can be evaluated by doctors. Any blip in their fitness is seen as an immediate red flag.

High intensity interval training is another major part of this. It is challenging because this training consists of short actions performed over and over again. Interval training helps them have the same fitness and dedication levels at the end of the game that they have at the start. In some cases, players have training programs tailored to their individual needs rather than a “one size fits all” approach.

Pre-season games and friendlies are a great way for managers to gauge how well the players are progressing with their training and to see who excels and who needs to work a little harder.

 
How are injuries avoided?

An injury can be devastating for the player and also not so great for the team. A player that is injured during the pre-season process won’t be fit at the start of the new season. Pre-season training is also important because if players are not fit when the new season kicks off, they are more likely to incur an injury.

Therefore, during pre-season, players learn about their own fitness and work on any small issues they have. They deal with any weaknesses so that they are properly prepared and less likely to be injured. Good quality kit, the standard equipment and attire worn by players, is also important.

The high quality kit provided by Tommie Copper not only protects and supports players, but it also gives teams and fans the additional peace of mind that they are supporting the Tommie Cares charity, an organization dedicated to helping those with physical or developmental special needs.

So the few weeks between seasons is not so much for resting or living it up, but for players to work on their own health and fitness and show that they still deserve their place on the team.

 

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Axel Witsel: Is the Zenit star ready for a top club like Chelsea?

  By O-Posts Team | August 3, 2024 - 21:18 | , , , , , ,
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The Russian Premier League is one of the earliest championships to commence in Europe, and already into week three there have been plenty of scandals.

Dynamo Moscow have been expelled from Europe as a result of UEFA’s financial fair-play protocols, former Spartak striker Artyom Dzyuba has shone for Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has installed a hugely controversial new rule on foreigners.

That new rule has become the main talking point for Russian football at the moment, with plenty of non-Russian players facing the exit door as a direct result of this new regulation.

 

Russian football going through a bind

The well documented problems of the Russian national team have been going on for some while now, and after that disastrous 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil Italian Fabio Capello was finally relieved of his duties a few weeks ago. No one in Russia quite knows what to do amongst all the chaos, and a rather strange 6+5 limit has been imposed on the country’s top football championship.

If you don’t understand quite what that means, only six foreign players can now be on the field at one time along with five Russians (the idea being that Russian players will get more game time). Just about every club has voiced their strong opinions against the new ruling, however no more so than Zenit with Andre Villas Boas.

The Portuguese has furiously called for something to be done calling it the end of Russian football and, if you look at his squad, you can see where he is coming from.

 

Zenit’s difficulties and the lowdown on Witsel

Zenit, by far and away Russia’s only real top club, are themselves already coming into difficulties with nearly all their recent success based on foreign exports. One of last season’s top scorers Jose Salomon Rondon finds himself turning into a benchwarmer with Russian Artyom Dzyuba in his place, and it could become a real problem when the Champions League comes around with match practice at a premium.

One man who could ease up the foreign contingent however is Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, who is looking to make that next step up.

Having joined Zenit almost three years ago, Axel has fully announced himself on the European stage. It was rather a shock to the whole continent when the Russians took him on board from Portuguese giants Benfica, and although he isn’t quite a fan favourite in Saint Petersburg, he has gone on to take the Russian Premier League title as well as the Russian Super Cup.

He has based his trade on being a midfield engine, breaking up the opposition’s play while breaking forward at any given opportunity. Those qualities have especially helped the Belgian national team, as he starred in Belgium’s run to the World Cup quarter finals last year.

Despite his midfield presence and sheer reliability (he rarely drops below 95% passing accuracy a game), Zenit’s supporters have criticised him a fair amount. His calm way of going about things have prompted many to say that he slows Zenit’s attacks down too much, and that he never shows urgency.

Is there any truth in that? To be honest, yes. He doesn’t appear to enjoy playing at an overly fast pace, and he strays away from making the odd risky pass.

With the new added limit now in place, and plenty of top European clubs queuing at the door to take him on board, this could be the time to leave Russia’s northern capital.

 

Is he ready for a top club though? Does he have what it takes?

At 26 years of age he is just going through his prime and, despite his cautious passing style, any midfield will love having him marshal their stormy seas. AC Milan were rumoured to be on the brink of taking Axel to Italy, but while that move fell through English champions Chelsea are still interested.

English experts and specialists have long been singing his praises, while he is still the right side of 30 this really does seem to be the perfect opportunity.

 

Zenit ain’t giving in that easily

Zenit won’t be too keen on letting him go though, and Andre Villas Boas is unlikely to let one of his headline making players leave easily. Yes, the Russians have Javi Garcia, Viktor Fayzulin, Alexander Ryazantsev and Artur Yusupov as ideal replacements, but none of them are likely to tally up such high pass percentages.

The Russian government may have made Zenit’s task of becoming a true European superpower just that bit harder, but the Saint Petersburgers aren’t going to give up without a fight.

 

Written by Shaun Nicolaides

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Football Illustration: Cristiano Ronaldo - The Cavalier Superstar

  By O-Posts Team | August 3, 2024 - 19:44 | , , , , ,
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Created by Robin Gundersen

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Transfer Madness: The Top 10 Most Interesting Moves in Europe this Summer

  By O-Posts Team | August 3, 2024 - 17:20 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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This window has been a mad one in terms of major and surprising transfers, particularly from clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan. Which have been the most interesting moves made so far? Here’s a Top 10 list from our very own Chris Paraskevas.

 

Arturo Vidal (Juventus to Bayern Munich)

One of the world’s finest footballers and purest box-to-box midfielders, Arturo Vidal’s signature has cost Bayern Munich around €40 million.

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is into his third season at the club and is desperate to win the Champions League, having failed in his last two attempts. The acquisition of Vidal is a statement of intent.

Whilst Vidal will suit the former Barcelona boss’ high pressing, high energy style, the player’s unique brand of aggression and unpredictability should give Bayern a more flexibility.

However, he also joins a team boasting an embarrassment of riches in central midfield and there are questions about how the Chile international will be deployed.

There is also the matter of Vidal’s form, with suggestions that his last season in Turin – where he helped Juventus into the Champions League final – was not his best.

Are Bayern signing a player slightly on the decline, or at the peak of his football powers?

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Monaco to Inter Milan)

In the wake of his match-winning performance against Arsenal in the Champions League last season, Kondogbia was hot property and many expected the Monaco midfielder to join the Gunners during the transfer window.

The 22 year-old then seemed set for AC Milan, before performing a stunning about-turn and signing for their fierce rivals Inter.

“Yes, the truth is that I spoke to Milan, but never in my life have I said yes to [AC] Milan CEO Adriano Galliani,” Kondogbia said of the move.

Kondogbia has also explained that Roberto Mancini was key in convincing him to move to Inter, who have snatched one of Europe’s most exciting talents from under the nose of some big clubs as they look to return to the summit of Italian football.

 

Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim to Liverpool)

The Brazil international is arguably Brendan Rodgers’ biggest signing of the close season, moving from Hoffenheim for £29 million.

Given the wealth of midfield and attacking options now available at Liverpool, a place need to be found that best suits Firmino’s unique talents.

The Brazilian isn’t an out-and-out striker, preferring instead to play in-behind the forwards and assume the role of creator rather than finisher. Firmino isn’t a prolific goal-scorer but at his best is a handful for defenders with his movement and running: a stylistic trait he shares with former Liverpool star Luis Suarez.

It would be unfair to expect the former Figueirense player to have the same immediate impact that Suarez did, but Rodgers is under pressure at Anfield this season and will be desperate for his new signings to fire.

 

Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid to Juventus)

Croatia international Mandzukic is joining a third club in three years, having spent two years at Bayern Munich and last season at Atletico Madrid.

His goal-scoring record is exemplary at club level and the 29 year-old moves to Turin on a three-year deal, replacing the departed Carlos Tevez.

Can Mandzukic replicate the form that brought him two league and cup doubles and a Champions League winners’ medal at Bayern Munich? He was certainly less effective at Atletico Madrid and expectations will be high at Juventus, who will want to mount another European challenge.

What makes this a curious move is Juventus’ markedly different playing style: Mandzukic was a success at Bayern with mobile forwards running off him, a luxury he might not be afforded so readily in Italy.

 

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid to Porto)

Iker Casillas’ acrimonious departure from Real Madrid gives this move a particularly interesting edge.

Despite winning three Champions League titles in his 25 years in Madrid, his relationship with the club deteriorated in recent seasons as the goalkeeper’s form dipped and he fell out with former manager Jose Mourinho and Real president Florentino Perez.

His new employers, Porto, could well be drawn alongside Real in the UEFA Champions League this season. If so, it would set the stage for an emotional and highly charged meeting.

Can Casillas get the last laugh and enjoy a revival in Portugal following a disastrous World Cup with Spain?

 

Adel Taraabt (QPR to Benfica)

The 26 year-old Taraabt has ended his seven-year sojourn in English football, moving to Portuguese giants Benfica on a free transfer.

At Queens Park Rangers, he produced some irrepressible performances but also had his attitude and fitness questioned by former managers Neil Warnock and Harry Redknapp.

It will be fascinating to see whether Taraabt’s talents are better developed at Benfica: the Lisbon club will be playing in the UEFA Champions League, and compete in a domestic competition that should the fleet-footed winger’s physique and style.

“It is a huge opportunity for me,” Taraabt said after making the move. “When my agent told me Benfica were interested, I immediately said: ‘Yes, I’m ready to go.”

 

Steven N’Zonzi (Stoke City to Sevilla)

Steve N’Zonzi might not be one of the most recognisable names in European football, but anyone who watched his performances for Stoke in the Premier League last season will be familiar his unique talents.

A midfielder capable of turning matches with individual moments of quality, it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to life in La Liga. Having also played for Blackburn Rovers, his physicality allowed him to thrive in England but Spain offers a completely different challenge.

“I need to test myself in the Champions League and unfortunately I can’t do that with Stoke,” N’Zonzi said of the move. “For me it was the right decision.”

The Europa League winners have signed Stoke’s Player of the Year for a mere £7 million.

 

Nani (Manchester United to Fenerbahce)

Another winger who enjoyed a long stay in England, Nani’s hugely successful Manchester United career brought him four English Premier League titles, a League Cup and a Champions League winners’ medal.

Scoring a number of wonderful goals and dazzling fans with his creativity and footwork, his importance had nonetheless diminished by the end of his time at Old Trafford: Nani was loaned to former club Sporting Lisbon last season and has now been moved on.

Turkey provides an exotic location for the continuation of his career and he is joined at his new club by former United teammate Robin van Persie.

 

Abou Diaby (Arsenal to Marseille)

Spending almost a decade under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, France international Abou Diaby never fulfilled his full potential in London.

His Arsenal career was marred by regular injury setbacks that stunted his development and saw the midfielder make just two appearances in two years before he was released by the club.

Rejecting approaches from both West Brom and Liverpool, the talented but fragile 29 year-old opted instead for a move to Marseille.

“What motivated my choice was knowing which club would help me best medically,” Diaby said. “That was really my priority. I did have other offers. I had very, very good contacts with West Brom.”

With ambitions to return to the France set-up, Diaby will receive plenty of support under progressive Chilean manager Marcelo Bielsa.

 

Radamel Falcao (Monaco to Chelsea)

At his peak, Radamel Falcao was arguably the best striker in the world, terrorizing defenders on all continents and winning the Europa League with both Porto and Atletico Madrid.

In Spain the forward was a revelation, before a move to cashed-up French club Monaco saw his career stutter considerably: an injury in early 2014 saw him miss the World Cup in Brazil that year and the player has been a shadow of himself since.

Even a loan move to Manchester United last season couldn’t bring the best out of the Colombian, who struggled with the pace of the game in England. Nonetheless, he has been thrown a lifeline by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who will be hoping to wring a few goals out of the 29 year-old this season.

If Falcao manages to boost his fitness and confidence, it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business by the Portuguese manager.

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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Premier League: Can you name the league’s 20+ goalscorers in a single season?

  By O-Posts Team | August 2, 2024 - 20:53 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Created by Sporcle

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The Chicharito-Di Maria Dilemma: Where will they be next season?

  By O-Posts Team | August 2, 2024 - 19:34 | , , , , , ,
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Van Gaal…. has a dilemma to deal with.

The times are finally starting to change over at Manchester United in lieu of the most recent acquisitions made by the Red Devils. Manchester United have bolstered their ranks significantly for this new Premier League season, which begins August 8th.

The likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinstieger have obviously arrived at Old Trafford to aid United’s lackluster midfield. Morgan and Bastian’s arrival along with Nani and Robin Van Persie exodus to Fenerbahce shouts out that Wayne Rooney will be returning to his position as a forward.

The Red Devils will pair Rooney with their new Dutch winger Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian will bolster the Red Devil’s already leaky defense.

 

Futures of Di Maria and Chicharito

Questions have been raised recently on the future of two of Manchester United’s attacking options, Javier Hernandez and Angel Di Maria. The most recent reports regarding Angel Di Maria showed growing interest by the French giants PSG.

The Parisians and United seem to be closing in on a deal any day soon with the final sum tallying around £40-£46 million. The rumors are swarming the media after Angel Di Maria was not present in San Jose with the team in their most recent friendly against FC Barcelona.

 

The Di Maria Dilemma: Will he stay or depart?

Usually when players fail to appear when called on by the club it shouts many possibilities. One possible scenario is that in light of reports, Angel Di Maria could be indeed finalizing a deal with PSG and come sometime this week be draped around the city of lights in a dark blue jersey with “La Tour Eiffel” on the crest.

Another possibility is that Di Maria could be taking an extended break, after all the Argentine winger did compete for Argentina in the Copa America before he was injured in the final match against Chile.

The third and other scenario could be that Angel missed the flight on purpose to expedite his upcoming departure from Manchester. Summing things up, Angel Di Maria will more than likely be playing for another team come September.

 

Hernandez to the MLS? West Ham?

Javier Hernandez has really been the big question currently lingering around the Manchester United squad. Chicharito has in fact traveled with the Red Devils to their pre-season tour in the United States.

Although Hernandez did not play in Manchester United’s 3-1 win against FC Barcelona, the Mexican striker has been at the center of a lot of transfer speculation all over Europe and surprisingly here in Major League Soccer.

The most recent transfer rumor circulating Javier comes from Major League Soccer’s Orlando City. With Giovani Dos Santos now at the Los Angeles Galaxy the move for Javier Hernandez to continue his career in Orlando could prove to be profitable for him, Orlando City and Major League Soccer.

Many journalists have also placed two London based clubs that would behoove the club to attain his services. West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are the two London clubs who seem to be interested in Hernandez’s services.

West Ham United are under the new leadership of Slaven Bilič and the Hammers will be looking to add to their attacking lineup. Tottenham finished in fifth last season mainly thanks to one Harry Kane, will be looking to add to their attacking options since the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado have proven to be rather woefully abysmal for the “Tottenham cause.”

 

Hernandez to return home? Or maybe even stay with the Red Devils?

In fact, there are inklings of Hernandez returning home to Mexico. Club Guadalajara Chivas owner Jorge Carlos Vergara has gone to state that Mexico’s Liga MX would rather see Javier return home instead of playing in Major League Soccer.

There are also talks of Hernandez potentially staying at United since the only attacking options at United are Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata. However with Memphis being an attacking winger/midfielder and Juan Mata an attacking midfielder, keeping Javier Hernandez as another striker to partner with Wayne is an actual possibility for United head coach Louis Van Gaal.

 

Conclusion

There are many possibilities looming over Angel Di Maria and Javier Hernandez and their future at Manchester United. Angel Di Maria’s future is about almost certain that it will not be in a red jersey in England.

Chicharito on the other hand is the “million dollar question.” Especially since the concept of adding depth to United’s attacking lineup since two have already left with another about to leave Old Trafford any day.

 

Written by Gio Franco

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Clinton N’Jie: Why the Lyon starlet is on the radar of Spurs and Arsenal

  By O-Posts Team | August 2, 2024 - 17:26 | , , , , , , ,
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Reports in the Le Parisien claimed that Spurs had tabled an offer worth over £7m for 21-year-old Clinton N’Jie, but the Ligue 1 side was holding out for double the money. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has denied these reports, but interest from London is there and even Tottenham’s arch-rivals Arsenal are said to be interested in the player. Newcastle United have also been linked with the player.

Lyon had a lot of players making headlines for them, especially a certain Lacazette, but the 21-year-old Cameroonian was also extremely impressive for the French side and displayed time and again that he has a bright future ahead of him.

Taking Samuel Eto’o’s starting spot in the national team for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, N’Jie impressed and showed that the African nation possibly has an extremely talented striker in its team, someone who could go on to do very well in the future.

N’Jie started his career with Lyon as a youngster and spent three years with the club’s B team. He made his senior debut for the club in 2012 in a 3-0 win over Reims. However, he did establish himself in the senior side till last season. Before that, he hardly played a few minutes as a substitute here and there.

Last season though, N’Jie started 15 games and appeared in another 15 from the bench. He showed his capabilities by scoring 7 goals and grabbing another 7 assists.

The 21-year-old averages 2.9 shots and 1.5 key passes every 90 minutes. His direct style of play and speed are especially attractive and can be lethal in a team that thrives on the counter-attack. He likes to dribble and the fact that he is good at holding on to the ball helps his cause. He is also not afraid to shoot from the distance and his long shots are actually pretty decent.

He doesn’t have to play as a central striker and has been used as a “wide forward” and as a number 10 on occasions. The player has done well even playing out of his favoured position making him a valuable, versatile option to have. His ability to play as a wide forward could suit coach Mauricio Pochettino’s high pressing 4-2-3-1 system in which he could incorporate both Harry Kane and N’Jie.

Spurs have so far offloaded unwanted players like Younes Kaboul, Benjamin Stambouli and Paulinho but are yet to add an exciting offensive player. If they want to try and finish in the top four, they would need more firepower up front and it is not surprising that they’ve lined up a move for N’Jie.

The player could prove to be a perfect addition for the side. Pochettino also likes to work with younger players and could get the best out of the Cameroonian.

For the player, however, a move would not prove to be the best option. He no doubt has a lot of ability, but staying at Lyon for at least another season looks like the best bet. The striker needs to establish himself and make sure he’s not a one season wonder.

Moreover, he needs to play more games and he is certainly going to get a chance to do that at Lyon. A move might mean that he adds a lot more pressure on himself at a young age when he is relatively unproven at the highest level.

 

 

Written by Aakriti Mehrotra

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Charis Mavrias: Why the struggling Sunderland winger needs a new lease of life

  By O-Posts Team | August 2, 2024 - 15:55 | , , , , , ,
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Name: Charis Mavrias

Position: Winger

Age: 21

Country: Greece

Club: Panathinaikos

 

It has been a chastening two years for Charis Mavrias at Sunderland. The Greek winger has made just six senior appearances during his time with the English Premier League club and looks set to depart the Stadium of Light this summer.

The Black Cats have been active in looking for a buyer for the Greece international, with interest from Championship clubs in England previously having cooled. Mavrias was loaned back to Panathinaikos during the January transfer window, having only joined from the Greek giants in 2013 for £2.5 million.

Panathinaikos have expressed an interest bringing Mavrias back to Athens permanently, though if Sunderland agreed to such a deal it would represent a considerable loss on their investment.

Speaking earlier this month, Mavrias was bullish about his future, despite the speculation.

“I think it’s time to get a chance to show I can count, otherwise if you don’t do this we will see what happens in the future,” the 21 year-old said. “I need to get playing time under my feet and show what I can offer. Definitely my priority right now is Sunderland.”

The above quote can certainly be read as a gentle reminder to the club, who are rebuilding under Dutch manager Dick Advocaat after securing their Premier League survival last season.

Mavrias’ career has stalled substantially in England after he was signed by Paolo Di Canio; the Italian manager didn’t survive beyond the end of the year and opportunities for the player were no better under his successor Gus Poyet.

Having been capped by the Greek national team after quickly rising through the ranks at Panathinaikos, Mavrias remains a talented footballer whose qualities are perhaps not best suited to English football.

A player who offers intelligence, mobility and technical quality over strength and raw pace, Mavrias tends to play as more of an inside forward than an out-and-out winger. Nonetheless, he has a knack for creating goals despite a fairly poor goal-scoring record at club level.

With his career in a state of flux, a return to Greece seems to be Mavrias’ preferred option, despite his failure to recapture form or make any sort of impact during his recent loan move to his former club.

“But, like I said, if I don’t [get playing time at Sunderland] then we will see how things develop and either go abroad or return to Panathinaikos,” Mavrias has said of his current situation. “I want to be somewhere where I will be wanted.”

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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