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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Wolves have booked their place in the Europa League group stages for the first time in their history as a 5-3 aggregate win over Torino was enough to see them advance.

The qualification stage has been strenuous, having played six matches in the competition already but there have been plenty of highlights.

Raul Jimenez has bagged six goals whilst supporters have already been gifted with trips to Armenia and Italy this season.

One standout has been Adama Traore, who was handed his first start at right wing-back against Crusaders, providing an assist for Diogo Jota’s opener and has since recorded two more in the competition.

The winger-turned-defender has looked reborn in his new role, but it could have been oh so different.

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On the Chalkboard

Back in April, TEAMtalk revealed that the Spaniard wasn’t in Nuno Santo’s long-term plans as he had failed to cement a regular first-team spot amongst the team last season – he made just eight Premier League starts.

Now nearly five months later, Traore has looked like the best choice they have at right wing-back especially with Matt Doherty’s rough start to the season, averaging a rating of 6.31 – though, he has been far from match fit.

Have you heard the strangest chant in the Premier League yet? Hear it in the video below…

But one man’s misfortune is another man’s gain, and that has to be the case for the 5 foot 10 ace.

His performance on Thursday night against Torino showed he could compete on a big stage, against a team of top-draw quality considering they ply their trade in Serie A, unlike their previous opponents that play in the Northern Irish and Armenian leagues.

In the game, Traore recorded one assist, one key pass, won five dribbles, had a 100% success rate for tackling and had 76 touches, per MezzalaScout.

That’s quite an outstanding showing from a right wing-back.

His overall showings in the Europa League have been fabulous and demonstrates why Nuno would have been silly to sell him.

If Traore continues to keep Doherty out, deciding to maintain his services will look like a masterstroke.

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Xherdan Shaqiri is still one of the new faces at Liverpool.

The 27-year-old winger joined last year from Stoke and had a modest opening campaign.

In a total of 30 games across all competitions, Shaqiri managed to bag six goals and add five assists to his tally, which was a decent return considering he was often used as an impact substitute.

He also finished it strongly despite being on the bench in the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

However, he suffered a setback on international duty.

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A calf injury in June meant that he could only recently rejoin the rest of the squad on the training grounds but he is now making promising progress in his recovery.

Shaqiri took to

/B0l-_SiiuHV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram to celebrate his return to the squad as he accompanied his teammates in Geneva, where the Reds won their game against Lyon.

Some of his teammates were quick to reply and welcome him back into the grind.

Dejan Lovren and Georginio Wijnaldum were among the first ones to send their best wishes and message to the returning Red.

Now that the pre-season friendlies for Liverpool are all done, they will gear up for the Community Shield game against Manchester City.

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Rangers youngster Glenn Middleton has finally made his loan move to Hibs after a summer of complications, but the fans aren’t pleased to be helping out their rivals.

The 19-year-old has had a hard time of it since the turn of the new year and will hope to rediscover his form from the start of last season in the capital.

The winger was a regular in Steven Gerrard’s side for the first half of the 2018/19 season, yet saw first-team opportunities limited after the winter break.

Middleton’s summer continued in a similarly frustrating fashion as he saw a loan to Doncaster Rovers fall through, as well the chance of a stint at NAC Breda collapsing too.

Yet, he’s got his chance at Hibs, though some supporters aren’t too excited that he’ll be turning out in the green and white this campaign.

The two clubs have a bit of history, with Hibs selling Rangers target Scott Allan to Celtic in a move that left a bitter taste in the mouths of many.

Here are some of the reactions from the disgruntled supporters on Twitter…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has slammed Manchester United’s reported decision to hand David De Gea a new contract this summer.

What did he say?

Reports have suggested that the Spain international has agreed a new six-year deal with the Red Devils worth around £375k-a-week, thus making him the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper.

After hearing of United’s supposed decision, Jordan questioned how De Gea’s underwhelming campaign last season warranted him being given a bumper new contract.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

He said: “This is a lack of football savvy, this is laziness. If you look at De Gea’s performances, he’s in decline. He made only saved 69 per cent of the shots he faced last season, which puts him in the bottom-half of the Premier League goalkeepers. He’s in an average team, sure, but there are averages teams that have goalkeepers who are performing at a better level.

“I think Woodward is being lazy and would rather say, ‘I’ll do something with other people’s money’. I’m not saying De Gea is in full decline, but what I am saying, when you look at the statistics, is where else do you get a reward for going backwards?”

Saving face

In any other season, David De Gea being made the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper would have been met with universal nods of approval. The Spaniard has been the model of consistency in his time in the Premier League and has undeniably been one of the best in the world.

But last season saw him endure a disappointing campaign, that really began with Spain’s poor showing at the World Cup in Russia last summer. The 28-year-old’s four errors leading to goals in the top-flight made up almost half of the ten he has suffered in total in his Premier League career.

Handing him a new contract this summer feels a little like United trying to save face and restore some pride. The club are in the midst of a transfer window where Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku want out, and deals for top targets like Harry Maguire and Sean Longstaff are still some way from being completed.

Whilst describing it as simply “lazy” as Jordan suggests is a little perplexing, United’s decision on De Gea’s contract certainly feels a lot like a salvage effort in what has been a relatively disappointing summer thus far.

This summer is shaping up in a lot of ways to be a big one for Celtic. Neil Lennon certainly has his work cut out for him, especially as it looks increasingly likely that they’ll be losing Kieran Tierney to Arsenal in the next few weeks, making the demand for a new left-back even greater when also considering how poor Emilio Izaguirre is.

With that being the case, finding a new left-sided defender is going to be absolutely crucial, which is where these links from The Daily Record come in, as the young Derby defender Max Lowe is being touted with a move to Parkhead after impressing in the 2018/19 season on-loan with Aberdeen.

For those of you who are sceptical that Tierney will leave, it’s time to look at the facts, everywhere you turn the links are there, and with The Scottish Sun reporting that Arsenal are to offer the defender £20m in wages, coupled with The Times reporting that the Gunners have tabled a second bid, things don’t look good.

It could be the case that two new left-backs are needed to fill the Tierney void and give them cover to truly banish the lacklustre Izaguirre who will likely also be on his way in less than a week’s time at the end of his contract. But who better to come in than a young defender who has already experienced Scottish football first-hand as one of the two?

That’s where Derby’s Lowe comes in. The left-back is just 22-years-old yet last season for both Derby and Aberdeen he managed to make 47 appearances in all competitions, where he chipped in with three goals and two assists to aid his team, statistics via Transfermarkt.

The future looks very bright for the youngster wherever he ends up, it’s just up to the Bhoys to ensure that he manages to find his way to Parkhead for the next few seasons to come, and it likely won’t take him long to endear himself to the Hoops if he does manage to get this summer move.

Would you be happy welcoming Max Lowe to Parkhead this summer, Celtic fans? Comment below and let us know!

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Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham is hoping to find an exit from the club this summer, according to website Football Insider.

What’s the story?

Ntcham was signed by Brendan Rodgers back in the summer of 2017 and the Frenchman has enjoyed two successful seasons at Celtic, winning six trophies and improving as a player along the way.

Football Insider though reckon he has told friends he wants to exit Glasgow this summer and move elsewhere, currently hopeful that his wish will come true during the transfer window.

The outlet report that Celtic believe a fee of around £7m is a realistic valuation for his services, which would see the club make a profit on his move from Manchester City, which the website states was for £4.5m.

Leigh Griffiths is ready and raring to go for Celtic next season. One fan discusses what we can expect from him in the video below…

Celtic dilemma

Obviously Celtic won’t want players around who don’t want to play for the club next season, especially as Neil Lennon embarks on a new managerial era.

Lennon will need everyone pulling in the same direction to maintain the standards of success set under Brendan Rodgers and if Ntcham sees his future elsewhere they must do a deal for him.

The problem is though that the French U21 international does have unique qualities compared to the rest of the Hoops midfield and although he hasn’t been one of the first names on the teamsheet over the last 12 months, he has still made 85 appearances in two seasons.

The reported £7m isn’t a massive return when you consider Celtic will surely have to reinvest most of that on signing a new midfielder who replaces the kind of driving ability and composure Ntcham brings to the middle of the park.

Players such as Nir Bitton and Eboue Kouassi simply don’t have the kind of quality that the Frenchman brings to the team and a replacement must be sought, ideally before doing the deal that would ensure Ntcham’s exit.

If they don’t do that, Celtic will be weaker in midfield next season when most observers recognise they need to strengthen further to make progress under their new manager.

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Leeds United fans on Twitter are buzzing after it was reported that Kiko Casilla may be on his way out of Elland Road after just six months at the club.

The keeper was brought in from Real Madrid in January, and he arrived with high expectations having been a Spain international and a Champions League winner.

But after just 19 games and a handful of clangers, it seems that he could be set to return to Spain this summer, per Alan Nixon.

The stopper’s worst performance came in the Whites’ playoff semi-final second leg against Derby County, where his showing arguably cost Leeds a place in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old was the Yorkshire club’s only January signing. He was brought in to try and push Leeds to the next level, but he hasn’t had the desired effect.

He is one of the Whites’ highest earners so they may have a hard time finding a potential suitor as his stock has dropped dramatically during his time in England.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

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As reported by Wales Online, Liverpool have made an enquiry over the availability of Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

The Philippine international shot-stopper starred for the Bluebirds last term, appearing in all 38 of their Premier League games whilst keeping an impressive ten clean sheets – he certainly didn’t deserve to suffer relegation to the Championship.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

Etheridge’s fine performances have also alerted the attention of Aston Villa, who saw an £8m bid rebuffed for his services.

Jurgen Klopp clearly has his eye on the goalkeeping market in case he needs to find a replacement for Simon Mignolet, who has said that he isn’t sure what the future holds for him after losing his place to Alisson Becker.

The 29-year-old would be a fine signing for the Champions League winners as a No.2, and would also be a shrewd signing with Loris Karius set to leave permanently next summer – he will be staying at Besiktas on loan next term, where the Turkish side have an obligation to buy him.

Let’s see what the writers of Football FanCast have had to say about Etheridge potentially joining Liverpool…

Matt Dawson

“It’s clear no goalkeeper is going to replace Alisson at Liverpool but as far as back-up goes it would be a shrewd signing. He’d add to their home grown quota and he’s proven he’s an able shot stopper. It’s unlikely he’d play very often so it’s the perfect low risk signing.”

Luke Glanville

“Etheridge is undoubtedly too good to drop down to the Sky Bet Championship with Cardiff City and is now proven at Premier League level. Liverpool need a better back-up to Alisson than Mignolet even if he decides to stay. The thought of the Belgian having to step in if the Brazilian gets injured mid-way through next season would be enough to give Reds nightmares. It’s a match made in heaven.”

Charles Jones

“I think they would be making a good move. If Karius and Mignolet leave as they are expected to there may not be a better option as a back-up keeper than Etheridge. He was mightily impressive for Cardiff this season and even though he won’t challenge Alisson for a starting spot he would be a brilliant back-up.”

أكد دييجو سيميوني، المدير الفني لفريق أتلتيكو مدريد الإسباني، أن الروخي بلانكوس سيحاولون إيذاء برشلونة في المباراة القوية التي ستجمع الفريقين غدًا السبت بمنافسات الليجا على ملعب “واندا ميتروبوليتانو”.

ونشرت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية تصريحات المدرب خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بالمباراة.

وعن إصابات كورونا، قال سيميوني: “لم يحن دوري للتعليق على البروتوكولات، نحن جزء من المجتمع وهناك إمكانية لإصابتنا بكورونا، ونأمل أن يتعافى لويس سواريز وتوريرا في أقرب وقت ممكن، نحن في لحظة في العالم يمكن أن تحدث فيها هذه الأشياء”.

وأضاف بشأن مواجهة برشلونة: “كل مباراة هي فرصة، سنحاول أن نأخذها إلى النقطة التي يمكننا من خلالها أن نؤذيهم، برشلونة فريق يتم تجديده مع لاعبين شباب وآخرين يتمتعون بخبرة كبيرة ومستوى استثنائي، ستكون مباراة صعبة ومعقدة كالمعتاد”.

وأردف: “سمة برشلونة هي نفسها دائمًا، هناك دائمًا فروق دقيقة اعتمادًا على المدرب الذي يقود الفريق، يمكن للمدربين أن يساهموا بأشياء، لكن السمة تحدد من قبل لاعبي كرة القدم الذين كانوا في النادي لسنوات عديدة، العمود الفقري للفريق، تير شتيجين، بيكيه، ميسي”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كومان يعلق على غياب سواريز عن مباراة برشلونة وأتلتيكو مدريد

وانتقل سيميوني للحديث عن لاعبيه، متابعًا: “كوكي لاعب مهم للغاية بسبب قدرته التكتيكية، لأنه يفهم ما يمكن أن يقدمه للفريق، من الحجر الصحي جاء بسرعة أكبر وهذا يتكرر في الفرق وهذا قاده إلى المنتخب الوطني هو لا يزال مهمًا للغاية بالنسبة لنا”.

وعن دييجو كوستا، استطرد: “لديه فرصة للبدء أساسيًا، لقد عاد إلى المجموعة في هذه الدورات التدريبية الثلاث الأخيرة، إنه بخير، إنه هنا للعب”.

وبشأن كاراسكو، عقّب: “إنه في مستوى جيد مثل العديد من اللاعبين الآخرين، لقد غاب عن الملاعب لبضعة أسابيع لكنه اجتمع مع المجموعة هذا الأسبوع بأكمله، هناك منافسة جيدة في هذا المركز بوجود ساؤول وليمار وكذلك كاراسكو”.

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Strikers always have supporters resting in the palm of their hands. An insultingly mediocre display can be salvaged with a late salvo; notching a winning goal deep into injury-time can double a 4/10 performance with the swipe of a boot or a deft flick of the head.

The position’s enchantment lies within its distinctiveness. There is no position so fundamental to the success of a team yet so intrinsically challenging to master, but that also leaves strikers at an advantage over their teammates.

Goals are revered, celebrated and replayed more than any other action on the football field. Become a virtuoso at centre-forward and you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy perennial popularity and stardom amongst your supporters.

But, as with everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule, and as Manchester United prepare to travel to Goodison Park tomorrow afternoon there’s no escaping the feeling that Romelu Lukaku falls into that category.

Lukaku will return to the club where he fully kick-started his career and showcased his credentials to thrive at one of Europe’s top clubs, leaving Chelsea fans pondering what might have been over another lost talent.

The Belgium international remains the club’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer with 87, leaving Goodison Park favourites Tim Cahil and Duncan Ferguson in his wake. That he managed to race to this tally in the space of just four seasons is perhaps the most startling aspect of this fine individual achievement, with his goal per game ratio standing at marginally more than 1 in 2.

But yet Lukaku returns to the club this weekend as something of a divisive figure, an enigma who never quite managed to fully satisfy the supporters. That in itself is antithetical to the quintessential reputation of a renowned goal-machine.

When Roberto Martinez welcomed the precocious talisman to the club on a permanent deal in summer 2014, he spoke with a conviction that suggested Everton’s deal was a genuine coup, per BBC.

“We know that Romelu is still a young man and the potential that he has is quite unique, and we are desperate to see him enjoying his football and to watch him grow as footballer in the years to come.”

The towering centre-forward could hardly grow any more physically but technically and mentally he blossomed into a devastating striker, scoring goals of a stunning variety from poacher’s tap-ins to thumping headers, while the occasional sumptuous long-range effort was thrown into the mix.

But yet, he is not the unanimously popular figure he should be on the terraces at Goodison, and that is the most “unique” thing about Lukaku. Martinez was unquestionably alluding to the uniqueness of his centre-forward prowess for a player still firmly embedded in the formative stages of his development, but almost five years later it’s clear that he is unique for all the wrong reasons.

If you stand on the terraces at Old Trafford or walk into any of Manchester’s finest watering holes when United are playing you’re bound to hear familiar complaints when Lukaku is in possession: “He plays like he’s wearing jeans,” “he’s put on too much weight,” “get this waste of space out of my club!”

This the lexicon field which defines a player with 113 Premier League goals and 42 assists in 249 appearances. Imagine what he could do if he swapped those jeans for shorts…

And the most pertinent point to acknowledge here before Everton clash with United is that complaints from the Red Devils have often been echoed by the Toffees faithful. Unlike an overwhelming majority of prolific centre-forwards, his natural habit to consistently find the net wasn’t enough to bridge an unbreakable bond between players and fans.

On paper, Lukaku is and should be regarded as an Everton legend of the Premier League era, but memories of a rigid style and squandered opportunities bizarrely deprive him of the acclaim – amongst some fans at least – which his incredible goal scoring record merits.

Martinez was right about Lukaku for all the wrong reasons: his uniqueness lies within the paradox of his legacy at Everton.