All posts by z3u9t.icu

Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke has put pen to paper with a new two-year contract, as reported by The Independent.

In a move that will delight the Selhurst Park faithful, the Belgian international is set to be a key player for the Eagles heading into 2021/22.

Few could argue against the award of a new contract, after an impressive 2020/21 season saw the 30-year-old net ten goals in 30 Premier League fixtures [Transfermarkt], with most of those coming towards the end of the campaign.

Set to partake in Belgium’s EURO 2020 campaign, his experience, goal threat and strength will continue to give opposition backlines plenty of food for thought – on average, the target man successfully wins around 6.8 aerial duels per match [WhoScored].

Given his physical threat and recent rediscovery of his eye for goal, there is little wonder loads of Crystal Palace fans have flocked to social media to sing his praises, following the latest developments, which was confirmed by the club on Twitter.

Fans gush over Benteke contract news:

Upon hearing about his contract extension, here are what some of the Palace diehards had to say about the news:

“PLAYER OF THE SEASON”

Credit: @paIaceawayy”Just made my week lads, love you@chrisbenteke x”Credit: @CiaranCPFC”Inject it”Credit: @JSB93x”Great news. Now please sort out the new manager”Credit: @briansparrow191″6 months ago I never thought I’d be buzzing to see this news”Credit: @Dazzaedwardo”TEARS ARE STREAMINGGGGGG”Credit: @SamWaters1994In other news, a reported Crystal Palace target is now available on a free transfer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has praised David Moyes’ transfer policy of signing players from the Championship.

Having seen big money signings like Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller – both signed by Manuel Pellegrini – fail to live up to expectations, the Hammers boss has recently been shopping in the second tier.

His first signing back at the London Stadium was Jarred Bowen from Hull, who’s scored eight goals and laid on five assists in 34 Premier League appearances, following his arrival last January.

Meanwhile, Craig Dawson and Said Benrahma have come in from Watford and Brentford respectively, whilst Czech Republic duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal have both flourished since joining from Slavia Prague.

Then there’s January signing, Jesse Lingard, who’s been in tremendous form, but McAvennie lauded Moyes’ work in the Championship in particular.

He told Football FanCast:

“The best thing that is happening now is that David Moyes is buying the players. I’m not saying the chairman doesn’t do the deal, but David Moyes identifies the players that he wants, and he’s got a good eye for a player.

“I think there’s a lot of wonderful players in the Championship.

“There’s a lot of players doing great in the Championship that you would look at and go ‘he wouldn’t do it in the Premier League,’ but David has done well picking out the ones he has, and I can’t see him changing that.”

West Ham United currently have just Michail Antonio as a recognised striker and Rob Lee, who was given the chance by the late Glenn Roeder to play for his boyhood club, has exclusively told Football FanCast that Adam Armstrong is good enough to play for the Hammers.

Armstrong enjoyed a scintillating season in front of goal for Blackburn as he netted 28 goals in the Championship, only pipped to the Golden Boot award by fellow ex-Newcastle United striker, Ivan Toney.

Blackburn’s manager, Tony Mowbray, has claimed that he hopes Premier League clubs come in for his star striker, and both West Ham and Newcastle have been credited with an interest in the 24-year old.

Armstrong was loaned out to clubs such as Bolton Wanderers, Barnsley and Coventry during his time on Tyneside and was eventually sold in 2018, and Lee spoke exclusively to FFC about how the striker is good enough to play for the Hammers:

He said: “He’s good enough for West Ham, I’ve watched him a lot because he played with my son at Barnsley and I watched him when he was at Newcastle. I said when Newcastle sold him that they should never have let him go and I stand by that.

“I think he’s good enough to at least get a shot in the Premier League because he’s a natural finisher, he’s quick and strong. If you’ve got those attributes then you’ve got a chance of being able to score in the Premier League.”

The 24-year old was never given a real chance at Newcastle as he was handed just 17 appearances in the league before Rafa Benitez decided he was not good enough and should be sold.

David Moyes decided not to replace club-record signing, Sebastien Haller, in January as he joined Ajax and the lack of goals in recent weeks has been a downfall for the Hammers.

Ross Wilson could be about to hand Steven Gerrard a huge boost at Rangers ahead of next season, with long-term target Fashion Sakala having reportedly been offered a four-year deal at Ibrox.

According to the Daily Record, Rangers have offered the Zambian striker a four-year deal in order to tempt him to Ibrox, with his contract at KV Oostende set to expire at the end of this season.

As it stands, both Jermaine Defoe and Greg Stewart will leave Rangers when their contracts expire at the end of the current campaign, which would have left Gerrard with a worrying lack of depth up front, so Sakala could help to solve that issue ahead of next year.

So far in  this campaign, the 23-year-old has contributed 13 goals and three assists in 28 Jupiler Pro League appearances, so he certainly looks to know where the back of the net is and could provide excellent competition for the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten.

Earlier in the season, Sakala’s former teammate Toby Sibbick was full of praise for the young forward, saying:

“I’m sure Fashion would be a great addition for Rangers. Fashion has a lot of pace and is direct on the ball.

“He can play as the main striker but also out wide and I know having played against Rangers last season they play with a front three so he can fill in on either wing because he likes to get on the ball and beat players one on one.

“He is quite tricky as well and is good in front of goal with the ability to finish with both feet, there’s no issue with that.

“He is powerful – not necessarily tall – but strong and quick so there’s a lot to his game.”

From what Sibbick suggests, Sakala could also offer Gerrard more options out wide and having a player who is capable of playing anywhere in Rangers’ front three would certainly be useful for the Light Blues ahead of next season.

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The fact that Rangers will able to bring in the £2.25m-rated Sakala to Ibrox on a free transfer suggests that this will be a low-risk move for the Gers and one which, if he performs, could prove to be an excellent bargain in the future.

And, in other news… Gerrard suffers potentially huge blow as CL regulars eye “outstanding” Rangers beast

Crystal Palace ended their four-match winless run in the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 success over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It looked as though Christian Benteke’s early goal was initially going to be enough for the three points before Eberechi Eze converted late on to seal the victory.

The winger, who eventually proved to be the match-winner for the Eagles in Yorkshire, was an inspiration for Roy Hodgson’s men throughout the evening. He was key in the first goal as Benteke converted as his jinking run and wonderful pass presented the Belgian with the chance to open the scoring.

He then sealed the points with a late goal of his own – just the second match in the Premier League in which he has contributed to more than one goal since his move from Queens Park Rangers last summer.

His contributions did not end there, though. According to WhoScored, he had three shots, one of those finding the back of the net.

The 22-year-old also contributed a further three key passes. Only midfielder Luka Milivojevic racked up more in that respect of the players taking to the pitch for the Eagles.

Eze was excellent when on the ball, too, displaying his wonderful dribbling ability on a number of occasions. He completed five dribbles throughout the 90 minutes, the most in the entire Crystal Palace line-up.

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It goes without saying that the hosts then could simply not control him. They did eventually find a way to halt him, though, and that was to bring him down. In the end, Eze won five fouls throughout the game, as many as the rest of the Crystal Palace side put together.

Having been hailed as “impressive” in the past by Jamie Redkapp, Hodgson will surely be delighted with the winger’s latest display for the Eagles.

AND in more news, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for a Bundesliga star…

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Rangers relayed a club statement regarding the Gers captain, James Tavernier, speaking out on the topic of racist abuse.

In the statement posted on the club website, Rangers confirmed that Tavernier, along with four other members of club staff, attended an SFA summit regarding the topic of racist abuse in football.

The defender’s comments in the meeting were then relayed by the club, with Tavernier revealing that every black player in Steven Gerrard’s squad had been the victim of racist abuse at some stage this season, either on the pitch – such as the incident involving Glen Kamara – or away from the pitch – such as online abuse.

And, after the club relayed the statement on Twitter, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many showing their unwavering support for Tavernier and the other players, while others stated their disgust at the horrendous abuse Rangers’ players have received for the colour of their skin.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to James Tavernier’s club statement?

“It is appalling in the year 2021 that anybody is abused purely because of their skin colour.”

@HarrytheBosch

“Awful that ‘every black player in our squad’ has been racially abused this season. Full support to our captain and everyone in the squad, whatever their skin colour or origin.”

@RangersVsRacism

“He’s right. We need action now, not just words. It should start with massive, MASSIVE bans for racism. I don’t think expulsion from the game for players is too steep tbh.”

@AmatoTheArcher

“Well said skipper, enough is enough.”

@gynoshwad

“It needs to end #StopRacism.”

@4MenHadADream

“All racism is unacceptable.”

@CraigAndrew61

In other news: this source dropped Rangers’ plans for a sensational summer signing; ‘outstanding’ 25-goal star in the mix – find out more here!

Mike Ashley faces a tough decision at Newcastle United after reports claimed SL Benfica are willing to listen to offers for Nuno Tavares.

What’s the word?

According to O Jogo, Benfica may look to cash in on Tavares and Grimaldo at the end of the season after identifying Ruben Vinagre as a potential replacement.

Newcastle and Burnley are believed to be eyeing summer swoops for Tavares, but could face a rival approach from Serie A heavyweight SSC Napoli.

The Toon and Clarets also face paying a whopping €30m (£27m) to sign Tavares, yet Benfica’s stance has weakened with SAD now open to offers.

Tavares and Grimaldo could soon leave the Estadio Sport Lisboa e Benfica as Aguias boss Jorge Jesus has given his blessing to a pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ left-back Vinagre.

Jesus believes the 21-year-old has qualities that will increase the competitiveness of his squad, while supporters have deemed the young defender to be a priority target after a below-par title challenge.

Benfica intend to pursue a deal for Vinagre at the end of the season as the Liga NOS giants feel they can sign him for less than €10m (£8.5m), having joined Wolves for close to €2m (£1.75m) in 2018 but only started 14 of 35 Premier League appearances.

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Vinagre joined Portuguese side FC Famalicao on loan this January and has started all 13 available top-flight fixtures to date, while being named in one of SofaScore’s Team of the Weeks and registered his first assist last Sunday.

Should Newcastle sign Benfica’s Tavares?

Reports surfacing in Portugal that Benfica are willing to listen to offers for Tavares will leave Ashley facing a big question this summer, as the Newcastle owner is not expected to make funds available to strengthen Steve Bruce’s squad.

A fee of around £27m would no doubt be considered too much for the Magpies to pay for Tavares, as the £4,900-per-week full-back has only started 12 of his 21 appearances across all competitions this season for a combined 1,097 minutes on the field.

But Newcastle have held a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old, with previous reports by O Jogo claiming that United lodged a €15m (£13m) bid back in 2019 and have clearly not been discouraged by his reduced game time.

The St. James’ Park natives are also thought to be in the market for a new left-back in the next transfer window, with The Shields Gazette noting recently that club chiefs are searching for competition for Jamal Lewis with Matt Ritchie expected to be sold.

It obviously remains to be seen how low Benfica are willing to reduce their asking price, but a fee closer to what the Toon bid two summers ago could be enough to see Ashley consider dipping into his pocket providing he is funding transfers for a Premier League side.

Doing so may also see Newcastle land an exciting upgrade on Lewis, who has lost his place in Bruce’s squad following a £15m transfer from Norwich City last year – having been left an unused substitute in United’s last four Premier League games.

Tavares carries possession out from the back 59.3 times per 90 minutes in the Liga NOS this season, far more often than Lewis (27.4) has in the Premier League. He also covers a higher progressive distance away from his goal (207 to 67.6 yards) and ventures into the final third for 24.4 touches to 11.8, per FBref.

The 6 foot Tavares is additionally willing to put his body on the line more often with 2.22 blocks to Lewis’ 1.72 and applies pressure outside the defensive third 11.11 times per 90 to 7.53.

Much will depend on Benfica’s asking price, but the Liga NOS giants considering offers will be a big boost to Newcastle in the race for his signature even if Ashley faces a tough call over funding a move.

But with football agent Cesar Boaventura hailing Tavares as “fast” and someone who could be “one of the best in Europe”, Ashley can kick-start an exciting new era at Newcastle by landing the 21-year-old starlet this summer.

AND in other news, Newcastle could offer a new contract to a player Steve Bruce has never spoken to…

Many fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter in which Jesse Lingard reflected on the Hammers’ weekend Premier League draw with Arsenal.

Following the 3-3 stalemate with the Gunners, a game in which Lingard scored one goal and registered one assist, the 28-year-old took to Twitter, claiming that he and his team were “disappointed not to take the 3 points” from the fixture, but that he felt West Ham “have come a long way” and that he is “proud to be a part of it.”

Since joining David Moyes’ side on a five-month loan deal back in the January transfer window, the £13.5m-rated attacking midfielder has been in remarkable form over his seven league appearances for the Hammers, scoring five goals and providing two assists, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.48 – ranking him as the seventh-best player in the entirety of the top flight.

In reaction to his post on Twitter, numerous fans of West Ham flocked to have their say on the matter, with many heaping a considerable amount of praise on the England international, while others begged the Manchester United loanee to stay at their club beyond his current temporary deal.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to Jesse Lingard’s post on Twitter?

“Incredible performance yet again, now we need to focus on getting top six.”

@ScoutSoucek

“You do us proud, don’t leave us.”

@SamanthaWalsh1

“Makes us all very happy to read that, what a player you are, if we can sign only one player next season, it has to be you!”

@WHUFCRAIG008

“Pls don’t leave us I beg.”

@WhuEthan

“Please stay that’s all I want.”

@WHUSP3

“Love this positivity.”

@umesh_fpl

In other news: these West Ham fans flocked to a claim from ExWHUEmployee – find out more here!

March was something of a rollercoaster month for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers as they secured their 55th Premiership title before being knocked out of the Europa League against Slavia Prague at Ibrox, although one constant was the impressive performances of Filip Helander.

The Swedish international has been a regular under Gerrard since signing from Bologna in 2019, going on to make 45 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed five goals and one assist.

The 27-year-old has been a key part of Rangers’ impressive Premiership season, forming an excellent partnership with Connor Goldson in central defence, making 21 appearances in the Scottish top flight and averaging a superb 7.11 WhoScored match rating.

He endured a difficult February which saw him fail to average above a 7/10 WhoScored rating in any of his five appearances, with notably poor performances in the 1-1 draw with Hamilton and the 4-3 win against Royal Antwerp.

However, the £1.8m-rated defender was able to bounce back in March with four excellent displays from his five appearances in all competitions, with the one small blip coming in the Old Firm derby, when he earned a solid if unspectacular 6.6 WhoScored rating after being beaten by Mohamed Elyounoussi for the opening goal.

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His other performances were superb, though, as he earned above a 7/10 rating for his performances against Livingston, St Mirren and Slavia Prague, when he scored an important equaliser before inexplicably being dropped for the return leg, which led to Rangers’ first defeat in more than a year on home soil.

Helander was able to continue his impressive club form with Sweden recently, helping Janne Andersson’s side to a clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Georgia earlier this week, once again earning above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored, so it is perhaps no surprise to see him being linked with both Leicester City and Aston Villa recently.

During the 418 minutes Helander played in March, he conceded just two goals, which emphasises how important he has been at the back for Gerrard’s side this season, with their phenomenal defensive record one of the key factors behind their league title triumph.

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Gerrard dubbed the Swedish international a “leader” in 2019, and this month has certainly emphasised his qualities at the back for both club and country, which will surely delight his manager.

in other news… Wilson should stand firm with in-demand Rangers wonderkid who “offers something different” this summer

David Moyes must urge David Sullivan to meet Manchester United’s valuation of Jesse Lingard after reports by Eurosport last week claimed that West Ham will have to pay £20m to retain the midfielder beyond his half-season loan.

Lingard moved to the London Stadium for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign during the recent winter transfer window and he has proven an instant hit in claret and blue with three goals and two assists in five games.

Man United are said to have always been confident of Lingard being a success in the capital, so they refused West Ham’s request for a permanent clause to be included in his temporary switch.

The Irons are thought to have offered a £15m buyout option on top of the £1.5m loan fee paid to the Red Devils, but they will now be facing a fee upwards of £20m to strike a deal at the end of the season.

Lingard had barely featured for Man United before packing his belongings and leaving Old Trafford earlier this year, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only awarding the 28-year-old 179 minutes of first-team action across all competitions.

Not a single second of that came in the Premier League with the former England international resigned to a bit-part role in the EFL and FA Cups, but has been trusted to start all five available top-flight fixtures under Moyes while playing 442 of a possible 450 minutes.

Only once has Lingard failed to influence the scoring with the Hammers, too, having struck a brace on debut at Aston Villa and netting once against Tottenham Hotspur, while assisting goals against Sheffield United and Manchester City.

No Irons player has been involved in as many goals since Lingard was given his West Ham bow at Villa Park last month, with Michail Antonio second with two goals and two assists.

Lingard’s efforts in claret and blue saw Arsenal icon Paul Merson wax lyrical during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, showering the Man United loanee with praise while addressing West Ham’s hopes of claiming a Champions League qualifying berth.

“I think he is outstanding. You get good reports from his attitude and how good he’s been. I think he’s the difference. If they’re going to get in the top four, he’s their X-factor,” Merson said on the show (27/2, 12:16).

As well as being the Hammers’ ‘X-factor’ and most influential figure during the club’s last five Premier League games, Lingard’s form has returned the best average WhoScored match rating of any West Ham player in the top-flight this term at 7.5 out of 10.

The 24-cap Three Lions international also offers the highest number of average shots per game (3.2), plus the second-most successful dribbles (1.6) to Arthur Masuaku (2.2) and the fourth-most key passes (1).

Moyes would be rather naïve to not urge Sullivan to now pay the extra £5m needed to retain Lingard should he maintain his early form, as West Ham have not seen anywhere near the same output from the likes of Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini.

Fornals has offered 0.7 key passes, 1.2 shots and 0.9 successful dribbles per game in the league this season, while Lanzini has created 0.7 goal-scoring opportunities, taken 0.8 attempts and brought possession up the field with 0.3 successful runs each match.

AND in other news, David Moyes is hopeful of West Ham landing an injury boost ahead of hosting Leeds United…